Podcast Summary: The Besties – Episode: "Citizen Sleeper 2 Blends Game and Story Into One Complex Dish"

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Hosts:

• Chris Plante
• Griffin McElroy
• Justin McElroy
• Russ Frushtick

1. Cold Open: All Hallows Steves Challenge

The episode begins with Justin McElroy showcasing his collection of "All Hallows Steves," a set of character actors all named Steve. This playful segment sets a humorous tone as the hosts attempt to identify the different Steves based on Justin's stipple drawings.

• Justin McElroy [00:00]: "I got all my All Hallows Steves here... you can see on the camera."
• Russ Frushtick [00:51]: "The best. Number one."

Despite some initial confusion and playful banter, the hosts successfully identify Steve Carell among the Steves, highlighting Justin's talent as a hobbyist artist.

2. Main Discussion: Citizen Sleeper 2

Overview and Comparison to the First Game

The core of the episode revolves around "Citizen Sleeper 2," the sequel to the critically acclaimed "Citizen Sleeper." The hosts delve deep into how the sequel enhances and diverges from its predecessor.

• Christopher Thomas Plant [04:32]: "Citizen Sleeper 2 is a sequel to a beloved sci-fi narrative game by Gareth Damien Martin."

Gameplay Mechanics

The hosts discuss the intricate gameplay mechanics that blend resource management with narrative storytelling. In "Citizen Sleeper 2," players command a ship with a crew, undertaking missions across various space stations, which adds mobility and variety compared to the first game's more static setting.

• Griffin McElroy [07:00]: "You're synthetic human. How's that? Synthetic human."
• Justin McElroy [07:38]: "It's very much an experience about balancing some resources... making really hard choices."

Narrative and Storytelling

The sequel amplifies the narrative depth by intertwining gameplay decisions directly with the story. Hosts commend the game's ability to depict the struggles of leadership and community-building in a hostile environment.

• Christopher Thomas Plant [11:09]: "This game is a very weird to say difficult. You will lose a lot in this game, but losing is kind of the point."

Player Experience and Challenges

While praise abounds for the storytelling and depth, the hosts also highlight challenges such as steep learning curves, poor tutorialization, and subpar controller support, which can hinder the overall gaming experience.

• Russ Frushtick [13:15]: "I was put off in this case because it felt like the first game... picking dice and things."
• Griffin McElroy [14:35]: "I was not enjoying that. So I actually started over and had a much, much smoother ride."

Concluding Thoughts on the Sequel

Despite some technical and usability issues, the hosts acknowledge "Citizen Sleeper 2" as a compelling narrative-driven game that may appeal to a niche audience appreciative of its complexity and storytelling ambition.

• Russ Frushtick [25:28]: "I think it's going to click with a very select group of people in a really hard way."

3. Game Recommendations

A. Locomotive

Justin introduces "Locomotive," an adventure game reminiscent of classic point-and-click titles. Set on a murder-mystery train, players navigate through different characters' perspectives to unravel the truth.

• Justin McElroy [26:48]: "It's very much that old school... pointing and clicking and finding the items in the inventory."
• Griffin McElroy [29:26]: "It's a Rashomon kind of thing where everyone's telling their own angle of the story."

B. The Root Trees Are Dead

Russ recommends "The Root Trees Are Dead," a mystery game that combines genealogical research with detective work. Players piece together a sprawling family tree by investigating various sources, creating an engaging and satisfying gameplay loop.

• Griffin McElroy [34:00]: "It's a game where you are basically a genealogist putting together the whole sprawling family tree of the root tree family."
• Russ Frushtick [37:44]: "I guess this is another UI rpg."

C. Severance Season Two

The hosts briefly touch upon the highly anticipated second season of the TV show "Severance," discussing its thematic depth and narrative structure without delving into spoilers.

• Justin McElroy [39:40]: "A lot of shows that are really brainy get mad when people focus on mythology."

4. Additional Media Recommendations

A. Saturday Night (Film)

Justin recommends the film "Saturday Night," a dramatization of the first Saturday Night Live premiere. He praises its unique narrative style and engaging performances, making it a must-watch for fans of the show.

• Justin McElroy [39:57]: "It hangs together as a movie. It's fascinating to watch."

B. Colors Within (Anime Film)

Christopher introduces "Colors Within," an anime film by Naoko Yamada. The film explores synesthesia through a high schooler's perspective and culminates in a mesmerizing music number, showcasing exceptional animation and storytelling.

• Christopher Thomas Plant [47:21]: "It is very, very, very delicate and not presented like with all the bombast."
• Justin McElroy [49:32]: "I found it like a deeply moving experience."

5. Conclusion and Upcoming Content

The episode wraps up with the hosts summarizing their discussions and teasing future content. They announce an upcoming bracket episode and preview next week's focus on "Ender Magnolia," the sequel to "Ender Lilies."

• Russ Frushtick [51:20]: "We're going to be playing a game called Ender Magnolia."
• Justin McElroy [52:21]: "Be sure to join us again next week for the Besties because shouldn't the world's best friends pick the world's best games?"

Additionally, they acknowledge their Patreon supporters and encourage listeners to support the show through memberships.

Notable Quotes:

• Griffin McElroy [08:29]: "These mini missions feel like a much more focused version of the entire game."
• Christopher Thomas Plant [11:09]: "Losing is kind of the point."
• Justin McElroy [21:37]: "My brain's been moving really fast lately and I couldn't slow it down enough to do what this game requires."
• Griffin McElroy [34:00]: "It's like a Rashomon kind of thing where everyone's telling their own angle of the story."

Final Thoughts:

In this episode, The Besties provide an in-depth analysis of "Citizen Sleeper 2," balancing praise for its ambitious storytelling with constructive criticism of its gameplay complexities. Their thoughtful recommendations of other narrative-driven games and media offer listeners a curated selection of engaging content. The hosts' chemistry and insightful commentary make this episode a valuable listen for gaming enthusiasts seeking deep dives into narrative and game mechanics.