Podcast Summary: The Besties – "Open the Besties Treasure Trove"

Release Date: May 16, 2025

In the episode titled "Open the Besties Treasure Trove," hosts Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, and Russ Frushtick dive deep into a variety of engaging topics centered around their favorite video games. This episode uniquely blends humor, insightful game analysis, and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for both avid gamers and casual enthusiasts.

1. The Treasure Trove: A Backlog Reimagined

At [03:48], Justin MacElroy introduces the concept of the "Treasure Trove," redefining the traditional idea of a gaming backlog. Unlike the often daunting list of unplayed games, the Treasure Trove is portrayed as a collection of "somewhat slightly older games that are great and in some ways glitter like treasure."

Justin MacElroy: "It's much like a backlog, but it sounds more like something you would want to listen to." ([03:48])

Russ Frushtick: "Backlog sounds... entirely negative. There's really no way to... But effectively it is a backlog, which is a term that people understand. But it's a good backlog. In fact, it's a great backlog because it's all some somewhat slightly older games that are great and in some ways glitter. Like treasure." ([03:59])

This refreshing perspective encourages listeners to view their unplayed games as hidden gems rather than chores, fostering a more positive approach to exploring their gaming libraries.

2. Featured Game: Planet Crafter

One of the primary discussions revolves around Planet Crafter, a terraforming simulation game that emphasizes environmental improvement to make a barren planet habitable.

Justin MacElroy provides an in-depth breakdown of the game's mechanics:

"When you crash land on this barren planet, it is basically utterly uninhabitable... You are tasked with making this planet livable, with improving the environment in such a way that it becomes habitable by living beings." ([06:39])

He compares it to Subnautica, noting that while both involve exploration and survival, Planet Crafter offers a more guided and relaxed experience.

Griffin McElroy adds:

"So you're not too hard to find oxygen and water line around." ([08:12])

The hosts commend the game's visuals, likening them to classic titles like Half-Life, and appreciate the distinct biomes and expansive scope despite simpler textures.

3. Featured Game: RoboCop – Rogue City

The conversation shifts to RoboCop: Rogue City, where Christopher Thomas Plant passionately outlines the game's strengths and unique features.

"It's super fun. It is a RoboCop... the closest we've gotten to a good RoboCop sequel is this video game. It gets the assignment, it gets the energy, it gets the tone, it gets the pacing." ([14:54])

Key highlights include:

• Dynamic Combat: Emphasis on impactful gunplay with exaggerated effects, such as shooting enemies' limbs causing them to flip and crash spectacularly.

• Narrative Depth: Unlike typical first-person shooters, the game integrates meaningful storytelling, exploring RoboCop's psychological struggles and Detroit's societal issues.

• Interactive Environment: Players can interact with various objects, enhancing both gameplay mechanics and immersion.

Christopher Thomas Plant further elaborates:

"RoboCop is going through kind of a psychological episode and trying to figure out like, what the hell he or it is." ([16:32])

The hosts commend the game for balancing action with narrative, making it a standout title in the genre.

4. Reader Mail: Battling Backlogs and Game Choices

The hosts address listener feedback and anecdotes about managing gaming backlogs.

Dustin, a listener, shares his experience:

"I don't really worry about the backlog anymore. UFO 50 kind of did the magic trick to my brain where it really made me have fun playing games again in a way that I hadn't really in a long time." ([36:20])

This resonates with the earlier discussion on the Treasure Trove, emphasizing the importance of enjoying games without the pressure of ticking them off a list.

5. Honorable Mentions

The episode includes several quick reviews and recommendations for other games:

• Wilmot Works It Out ([22:11]): A meditative puzzle game that offers a calm and organized approach to assembling puzzle pieces without time constraints.

  Russ Frushtick: "If you're looking for something very chill, definitely recommend Wilmot works it out." ([23:02])

• Wizardom ([24:29]): A retro-inspired first-person shooter where players assume the role of a wizard. The game modernizes classic mechanics with elements like gold collection and level upgrades.

  Russ Frushtick: "Wizardom W I Z O R D U M... I've enjoyed it." ([26:37])

• Rift of the Necrodancer ([27:20]): A rhythm game that integrates complex mechanics with a stellar soundtrack, offering both nostalgic and fresh gameplay experiences.

  Griffin McElroy: "It's been honestly kind of nostalgic to get in, get into a game in this genre again." ([34:10])

• Tactical Breach Wizards and Animal Crossing New Horizons ([54:12], [55:54]): Tactical RPGs and family-friendly simulators that provide both depth and casual play options.

6. Light Gun Games Setup

Justin MacElroy leads a technical discussion on setting up light gun games at home, comparing different types of guns and their functionalities.

"There are Senden guns with IR sensors... and Retro Shooter Reapers that have four IR sensors and connect via USB." ([47:30])

He elaborates on:

• Senden Guns: Commonly used with an IR sensor and a white border for tracking.

• Retro Shooter Reapers: More advanced with multiple IR sensors, recoil features, and additional buttons for enhanced gameplay.

Justin MacElroy: "They have a thumbstick right here built in. So you can do a lot of stuff." ([50:28])

The discussion highlights the nostalgia and continued interest in light gun games, despite their rarity in the modern gaming landscape.

7. Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes

In wrapping up, the hosts reflect on their gaming habits, the joy of revisiting old favorites, and tease upcoming episodes.

Russ Frushtick announces:

"Next week... we're gonna do Doom the Dark Ages." ([58:06])

The episode concludes with gratitude towards their patrons and a reminder to join them for future discussions on top-tier games selected by the world's best friends.

Notable Quotes:

• Justin MacElroy: "This is not 3D printed. That's a ghost gun. Just." ([00:46])

• Griffin McElroy: "It does have buttons all over it. Robocop's gun had corn guns. I don't think have." ([01:16])

• Christopher Thomas Plant: "It's a planet colonizer and they just didn't want to call it that." ([08:12])

• Griffin McElroy: "It was really fun." ([13:53])

Conclusion

"Open the Besties Treasure Trove" offers a rich tapestry of gaming discussions, blending detailed game analyses with personal stories and technical insights. Whether you're interested in terraforming simulations, retro shooters, or the mechanics behind light gun setups, this episode provides valuable perspectives and recommendations. The hosts' camaraderie and in-depth knowledge make the podcast both entertaining and informative, embodying the essence of good friends sharing their best finds in the gaming world.