Podcast Summary: The Besties – Episode: "Doom: The Dark Ages is a (Shotgun) Blast"
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Hosts: Chris Plant, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick
Introduction to "Doom: The Dark Ages"
In this episode of The Besties, the hosts delve deep into the highly anticipated video game "Doom: The Dark Ages." They explore its mechanics, compare it to previous installments, and discuss its storyline and technical aspects. The conversation is enriched with personal insights and engaging banter, making it accessible and informative for both avid gamers and casual listeners.
Game Mechanics and Innovations
The discussion kicks off with an exploration of the game's core mechanics, particularly the introduction of parrying and shield mechanics.
Ross Frostchuk shares his initial skepticism about the changes, stating:
"Big open spaces and you're gonna parry a lot. And I was like, that seems like a terrible idea. And then it turns out it was a brilliant idea." ([05:44])
Griffin McElroy adds his surprise at the forgiving nature of the parry system:
"How insanely forgiving it is just...within a good, like, second and a half long window of a green projectile getting even remotely close to each." ([07:01])
Justin McElroy emphasizes the versatility introduced by these mechanics:
"There are so many different, like, ways you could approach any given situation... you have one of eight different ways I could deal with this situation." ([07:39])
The hosts debate whether these new mechanics enhance or detract from the traditional fast-paced Doom gameplay. Griffin mentions:
"Do you not feel like the game feels a bit slower than especially Eternal?" ([10:04])
Comparison to Previous Doom Titles
A significant portion of the conversation centers around how "Doom: The Dark Ages" stacks up against its predecessors, Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal.
Chris Plant provides a historical perspective:
"The first game was like sprinting through hallways, ripping heads off. The second added traversal like air dashes and double jumps... This game adds a shield and exotic mechanics." ([08:32])
Ross Frostchuk compares the difficulty and gameplay styles:
"Eternal was use all weapons and cycle through everything... This game is more about solving specific problems with the right weapon." ([17:05])
Storyline and Plot Analysis
The hosts delve into the narrative aspects of the game, expressing mixed feelings about its coherence and depth.
Griffin McElroy expresses confusion about the protagonist's origins:
"Maybe there's flashbacks and shit later in the game. I should state again that I didn't play it through." ([22:40])
Chris Plant criticizes the storyline's complexity:
"The plot of this game makes no fucking sense to me... I don't know who the organizations are that are working or against the Doom God." ([23:09])
Technical Performance and Platform Issues
Technical performance, especially on various platforms, is another key topic.
Justin McElroy shares his struggles with running the game on his Rog Ally X:
"I downloaded it on my Rog Ally X... it crashed consistently." ([26:02])
Chris Plant defends the game's optimization:
"I'm running it on my mid-range gaming PC... it's a steady 60fps." ([26:16])
Ross Frostchuk speculates about the game's requirements:
"They went all in on the ray tracing for the lighting of this game... that’s why it’s not gonna work on anything." ([26:07])
Listener Emails and Recommendations
The hosts engage with listener emails, offering game recommendations and sharing personal experiences.
Griffin McElroy highlights "Unbeatable", a rhythm-based RPG:
"Have a demo for Unbeatable on Steam right now. It's a rhythm-based RPG about a punk band in a world where music is banned." ([35:05])
Justin McElroy discusses his experience with "Murderbot":
"It's about a security robot that hacks its programming and works for itself... Alexander Skarsgard gives a really nuanced, funny performance." ([50:00])
Other Media and Personal Updates
Beyond gaming, the hosts touch upon other shows and personal ventures.
Chris Plant briefly mentions watching "Andor Season 2":
"It's incredibly good and so nuanced... I can't talk about it at all because I have only watched the first half of the first episode." ([47:08])
Justin McElroy shares his woodworking endeavors:
"I picked up an old craftsman wood lathe for around $150... I'm trying to learn how to use it." ([37:00])
Conclusion and Wrap-Up
As the episode winds down, the hosts maintain their signature humor and camaraderie, teasing upcoming content and encouraging listeners to stay engaged.
Ross Frostchuk announces his new show, "Post Games":
"I launched a new show, you can listen to it at patreon.com/postgames." ([58:24])
Justin McElroy wraps up with a humorous nod to their ongoing antics:
"Be sure to join us again next week for the besties because shouldn't the world's best friends eat the world's best beef?" ([57:52])
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Ross Frostchuk: "That seems like a terrible idea. And then it turns out it was a brilliant idea." ([05:44])
- Griffin McElroy: "How insanely forgiving it is just..." ([07:01])
- Justin McElroy: "There are so many different, like, ways you could approach any given situation." ([07:39])
- Griffin McElroy: "Do you not feel like the game feels a bit slower than especially Eternal?" ([10:04])
- Griffin McElroy: "Maybe there's flashbacks and shit later in the game." ([22:40])
- Chris Plant: "The plot of this game makes no fucking sense to me." ([23:09])
- Justin McElroy: "I downloaded it on my Rog Ally X... it crashed consistently." ([26:02])
- Griffin McElroy: "Have a demo for Unbeatable on Steam right now." ([35:05])
- Justin McElroy: "It's about a security robot that hacks its programming and works for itself." ([50:00])
- Ross Frostchuk: "I launched a new show, you can listen to it at patreon.com/postgames." ([58:24])
Final Thoughts
This episode offers a comprehensive examination of "Doom: The Dark Ages," blending critical analysis with entertaining dialogue. The hosts' diverse perspectives provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the game's strengths and areas for improvement. Whether you're a die-hard Doom fan or new to the series, this discussion offers valuable insights that enhance your gaming experience.