Podcast Summary: The Besties – "Mafia Is One of the Strangest, Messiest AAA Games Ever Released"

Release Date: August 15, 2025

Hosts:

• Justin McElroy
• Christopher Thomas Plant
• Ross Freshik
• Russ Frushtick

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with a brief, humorous exchange among the hosts, setting a light-hearted tone. Shortly after, Justin McElroy provides a quick overview of the episode's focus on the latest entry in the Mafia series, "Mafia: The Old Country."

2. Deep Dive into "Mafia: The Old Country" ([05:11] - [32:45])

Overview & Expectations:

• Christopher Thomas Plant introduces "Mafia: The Old Country" as the newest installment in the long-standing but troubled Mafia franchise. He states, “People often think it's going to be like Grand Theft Auto and people are often mistaken.” ([02:38])

Historical Context:

• Ross Freshik reminisces about the original Mafia game from around 2000, appreciating its ambitious narrative compared to contemporaries. He notes, “It was telling a mature, interesting, if a little bit tropey Mafia story.” ([05:26])

Evolution of the Franchise:

• Christopher Plant contrasts the original game with its sequels, highlighting how each subsequent entry drifted further from the narrative-driven experience. He remarks, “Mafia 3 was a little bit more of an open world, but the problem was when it went more open world, it did draw more Grand Theft Auto comparisons which it could not match up to.” ([07:39])

Critique of the Latest Entry:

• Justin McElroy expresses initial excitement about the game's setup but quickly becomes critical of its execution. He states, “There's like a very blatant guide marker telling you exactly where to go to.” ([21:19])
• Ross Freshik agrees, emphasizing the lack of genuine player freedom despite the "open world" label. He comments, “It's open, but you have no real reason to go around and very little freedom to go around.” ([23:10])
• Christopher Plant compares the game’s repetitive chores to a frustrating restaurant experience: “It's like going to the most expensive, fancy, decadent restaurant... and then the food inexplicably takes three hours to arrive.” ([17:20])

Gameplay Mechanics:

• The hosts discuss the game's poor execution of core mechanics, such as horseback riding and combat sequences. Justin McElroy shares his frustration: “I kept getting bored and I would like do other things and then I would have to reload and start again with a very long horseback ride.” ([18:46])
• Christopher Plant highlights the game’s linear story despite the open-world facade, stating, “Each one has a beginning and a middle and an end, theoretically.” ([20:22])

Narrative Flaws:

• The narrative is criticized for its reliance on clichés and lack of originality. Justin McElroy points out, “It is all serviceable, but, like. And it's better than a lot of video games. But it is also, like, all cliches.” ([24:44])

Conclusion on Mafia: The Old Country:

• The consensus among the hosts is that "Mafia: The Old Country" fails to deliver a compelling AAA experience, burdened by repetitive tasks, poor gameplay mechanics, and a disconnect between its narrative aspirations and actual execution.

3. Break: Palate Cleanser with "Dog Walk" ([32:39] - [34:14])

To lighten the mood after the intense critique, Ross Freshik introduces "Dog Walk," a free game available on Steam developed by Blender Studios.

• Ross Freshik describes the game: “You play as a giant sheepdog dragging your owner around a snowy landscape, trying to build a Snowman.” ([33:05])
• He praises its simplicity and charm, comparing it to a Pixar short: “I had so much more fun than the five hours.” ([33:05])

Christopher Plant and Justin McElroy express their enthusiasm, highlighting the game's artistic appeal and interactive joy.

4. Exploration of "Blippo" ([38:03] - [42:49])

Ross Freshik introduces "Blippo," a unique cable TV simulation game:

• Christopher Plant explains, “It's a cable TV broadcast from the planet Blip. You just turn on the old tube and you flip through the various channels and each channel has multiple TV shows.” ([39:41])
• Justin McElroy encourages listeners to try "Blippo," stating, “If folks, if you haven't tried Blippo, try Blippo.” ([39:35])

The hosts discuss the game's nostalgic feel, likening it to early Nickelodeon shows and praising its creative presentation. They also mention upcoming releases and the innovative aspects that make "Blippo" stand out in the indie game landscape.

5. Listener Questions & Recommendations ([47:03] - [51:13])

JRPG Recommendations:

• Ari's Question: Seeking JRPG suggestions with good quality of life for platforms like Steam Deck or Switch.
• Christopher Plant recommends "Dragon Quest 11s Echoes of an Elusive Age," praising its balance of depth and accessibility: “It is one of the best RPGs ever made and it is absolutely perfect.” ([47:38])

Controller Configuration Confusion:

• Emily's Question: Concerns about mixing up controller buttons when switching between PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo systems.
• Ross Freshik and Justin McElroy discuss their experiences, offering logical solutions for managing button configurations and highlighting the challenges of differing controller layouts.

6. Honorable Mentions & Book Recommendations ([51:53] - [58:24])

Book Spotlight: "Camp Damascus" by Chuck Tingle:

• Justin McElroy introduces "Camp Damascus," a departure from Chuck Tingle's usual erotic fiction, describing it as a serious thriller that explores themes of acceptance and identity: “It's a story about a Christian gay conversion therapy camp that boasts a 100% success rate.” ([51:53])

TV Show Recommendations:

• Ross Freshik praises the remake of "King of the Hill" on Hulu, commending its ability to update the series intelligently while maintaining its heart: “They nailed the tone overall.” ([55:37])
• Christopher Plant and Justin McElroy discuss the emotional impact and character performances, particularly the new voice actor for Dale.

Book Recommendation: "Stupid TV: More Funny" by Alan Siegel:

• Christopher Plant recommends this nonfiction book, which delves into the history of "The Simpsons" seasons one through nine, highlighting its insightful portrayal of the show's development: “It's a great audiobook, too. Like, a great thing just to have in the car.” ([58:24])

7. Closing Remarks ([59:45] - [61:17])

The hosts wrap up the episode by thanking their Patreon supporters and teasing upcoming content, including discussions on "Wheel World" and "Sword of the Sea." They maintain their engaging and humorous dynamic, leaving listeners eager for future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Justin McElroy ([10:35]): “He thought they're going to instantly bring me.”
• Ross Freshik ([23:10]): “It's open, but you have no real reason to go around and very little freedom to go around.”
• Christopher Plant ([17:20]): “It's like going to the most expensive, fancy, decadent restaurant of your life... everything else is there.”
• Justin McElroy ([21:19]): “There is a lot of water to the user to make sense.”
• Ross Freshik ([55:37]): “They nailed the tone overall.”

Conclusion: In this episode, the Besties provide a thorough and candid critique of "Mafia: The Old Country," highlighting its shortcomings within the AAA genre. They effectively balance intense discussion with lighter segments, including game recommendations and listener interactions, ensuring the content remains engaging for both regular listeners and newcomers.