Podcast Summary: The Besties – "Chilling in the Grab Bag with Kingdom Come Deliverance 3"
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Hosts: Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick
Episode Title: Chilling in the Grab Bag with Kingdom Come Deliverance 3
1. Opening Discussion: The Movie Theater Dilemma (00:00 - 03:38)
Chris Plante initiates the episode with a thought-provoking scenario about encountering snoring moviegoers in a theater:
"You're at a movie and you're near the front. There are a lot of people behind you and there are two people in front of you... both of them start snoring. You truly are now the divider between the awake and the asleep." (00:25 - 01:31)
The hosts humorously dissect the situation, with Griffin McElroy questioning the film's nature and Ross Frosty speculating on the content:
"Are we at a snobby movie theater that's showing some sort of black and white documentary?" (00:10 - 00:15)
The conversation lightens as they reveal the movie in question is "The Monkey," leading to playful banter about hosting responsibilities and the film's quality.
2. Transition to Video Games (03:38 - 05:56)
The hosts shift focus to their primary passion—video games—introducing the episode's theme. Chris Plante expresses eagerness to dive into game discussions:
"Can we talk about the video games now?" (03:38 - 03:40)
They set the stage for a "grab bag" segment, indicating a variety of games will be explored beyond their usual rankings.
3. Game Spotlights
a. Nubby's Number Factory (05:56 - 16:00)
Griffin McElroy provides an in-depth review of "Nubby's Number Factory," highlighting its unique blend of pachinko mechanics with roguelike elements:
"It's one of those games where everybody was talking about it... up until one in the morning playing Nubby's Number Factory." (08:06 - 11:19)
Justin Baccarron contrasts it with "Balatro," praising its intricate puzzle design while Ross Frosty appreciates the game's addictive nature despite initial confusion:
"It's a vaporwave calculator and it's my obsession... make sure your numbers are high." (08:06 - 09:08)
They discuss the game's tactile inventory system and strategic item management, with Griffin emphasizing the satisfying gameplay loop:
"There's a little meter that fills up as you hit the goal... It's a tremendous dopamine hit." (12:23 - 13:30)
Ross adds a humorous critique on the aesthetic, likening it to "Snood," while Justin supports purchasing without waiting for a demo:
"If you download the demo before buying it for $5, you're wasting your time." (14:25 - 15:53)
b. Sulfur (16:00 - 19:11)
Ross Frosty introduces "Sulfur," a first-person shooter with roguelike RPG elements set in a visually stunning, adventure-inspired world:
"It looks like adventure time brought to life... playful aesthetic makes it more approachable." (16:16 - 17:50)
The discussion covers the game's balance between combat and inventory management, with Griffin highlighting the appealing graphics and Chris expressing initial apprehension overcome by the game's depth:
"It's a tactical shooter... You have to maximize what the board gives you." (12:30 - 13:30)
c. Spilled (19:11 - 22:24)
Justin Baccarron presents "Spilled," a calming simulation game focused on environmental cleanup:
"You cruise around these pools of water and you clean up oil spills... a pleasant sort of bonsai tree you can pluck away at." (21:19 - 22:24)
Chris questions the game's visual style, leading to comparisons with classic LucasArts aesthetics:
"It reminds me of a game about digging a hole... very nice relaxing experience." (22:31 - 22:56)
The hosts agree it's an excellent choice for players seeking a stress-free gaming experience.
d. Chef's Shift (22:24 - 25:05)
Justin introduces "Chef's Shift," a unique blend of restaurant management and typing practice:
"Everything you're doing is through typing... balancing and keeping everything going." (23:21 - 24:17)
Chris raises concerns about its dual-purpose nature, while Justin assures that typing enhances the gameplay rather than detracting from it:
"If you were good at typing, it would be more pleasant... balancing difficulty and involvement." (24:17 - 25:05)
The game is lauded for its engaging mechanics and charming art style, reminiscent of "Professor Layton."
e. Kingdom Come Deliverance 3 (26:02 - 33:15)
Chris Plante shares his excitement about finally experiencing "Kingdom Come Deliverance 3":
"It's a role-playing game set in 15th century Europe... an all-around sort of RPG experience." (26:02 - 28:25)
He praises the game's realistic combat system and immersive world-building:
"Combat feels really slick... the writing creates a sense that you are telling your story." (28:25 - 33:15)
The hosts commend the game's balance between action, strategy, and narrative depth, drawing parallels with beloved titles like "The Elder Scrolls."
4. Nintendo Direct and Switch 2 Announcements (33:15 - 48:15)
The conversation shifts to recent announcements from Nintendo, with Ross Frosty and Griffin McElroy expressing mixed reactions:
"There was a bunch of other games that came out... we're going to talk about the Switch eventually." (05:22 - 05:38)
They discuss upcoming titles such as "Rhythm Heaven Groove," "Tomodachi Life," and the multi-platform release of "Hotshots Golf." Ross provides insights into the franchise's history and expresses cautious optimism about new releases:
"It's coming to Switch, PS5, and Steam... none of these style games are out there." (40:09 - 41:18)
The hosts also delve into the complexities of Nintendo's "Nintendo Today" app and the implications of the Switch 2's digital game transfer system, highlighting both conveniences and frustrations:
"It's more about the way buying and playing video games is going... it's hard enough for me to keep track of my Switch." (43:10 - 46:38)
5. Honorable Mentions (48:15 - 55:52)
a. Astrobot and Noita
Griffin McElroy shares his son's experience with "Astrobot," praising its family-friendly design:
"Could really fuck up that score and make it re rack those pegs... that's that good dad shit." (50:37 - 52:10)
Ross Frosty discusses his return to "Noita," highlighting the satisfaction of completing unmodded runs and the added depth from mods:
"There’s so much hidden shit in that game... I appreciate that." (52:10 - 54:03)
Justin encourages listeners to explore the "Meta leveling" mod, commending the community's dedication:
"It's really beautiful to watch you and this community try to make this game fun against all odds." (53:06 - 53:57)
b. Upcoming Features and Teasers
Chris Plante hints at future content, teasing upcoming game discussions and special episodes:
"Next week, baby... Hands-on with Switch 2." (54:16 - 55:34)
They also extend gratitude to new Patreon members and promote their merchandise, fostering community engagement.
6. Closing Remarks and Teasers for Next Episode (55:52 - 56:30)
Justin Baccarron wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to join future discussions, hinting at a longer, more in-depth episode next week:
"Next week, we have our first ever four-hour long episode... so much fun." (54:30 - 55:28)
Ross Frosty teases participation in the Switch 2 exploration, while Chris hints at upcoming game highlights:
"I'm gonna be there and I'm gonna play it hands-on." (55:34 - 56:30)
The hosts sign off with enthusiasm, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more engaging game discussions.
Notable Quotes
- Chris Plante (00:25): "You're at a movie and you're near the front... you are now the divider between the awake and the asleep."
- Griffin McElroy (03:07): "Maybe it was too scary, too violent. They had to fall asleep as a defense mechanism."
- Ross Frosty (15:44): "You bought it sight unseen, just based on the words Nubby's Number Factory."
- Justin Baccarron (22:24): "If you're in the market for something like that then Spilled by Lente is the developer there."
- Chris Plante (26:02): "It's the role-playing game for the people who play Elder Scrolls and are like, I wish I could spend more time working as a blacksmith."
- Justin Baccarron (53:06): "It's really beautiful to watch you and this community try to make this game fun against all odds."
Conclusion
In this episode of The Besties, the hosts delve into a diverse array of video games, offering insightful critiques, personal anecdotes, and enthusiastic endorsements. From the strategic depth of "Nubby's Number Factory" to the immersive realism of "Kingdom Come Deliverance 3," listeners are treated to comprehensive analyses that cater to a wide range of gaming preferences. Additionally, the discussion on upcoming Nintendo releases and the complexities of the Switch 2's ecosystem provides valuable information for avid Nintendo fans. The episode balances humor with expert knowledge, making it a must-listen for both regular followers and newcomers to the podcast.