Podcast Summary: The Besties – "Runescape and a Competitor to Limbo? It's a Grab Bag, Y'all"

Episode Details:

• Title: Runescape and a Competitor to Limbo? It's a Grab Bag, Y'all
• Hosts: Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick
• Release Date: April 25, 2025

1. Opening Banter and Introductions (00:00 – 02:11)

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their trademark humorous banter. Griffin and Justin joke about synchronized burping attempts, which leads to Russ attempting a "cold open" about persecution. This light-hearted start sets the tone for the episode's casual and friendly atmosphere.

• Justin McElroy (00:05): "Russ had said he had a cold open and he was time sensitive. He really wanted to do it, but then we all fired. We all had one in the chamber."

2. Trader Joe’s Egg Shortage Story (02:11 – 05:07)

Russ shares an amusing and relatable story about encountering a massive egg shortage at Trader Joe’s during the Easter season. He describes arriving to find a line of over 300 people eager to purchase an Easter-themed tote bag, leaving him frustrated as he just wanted eggs.

• Russ Frushtick (02:07): "So I went to the supermarket... It took like, 25 minutes to wait in this line."
• Griffin McElroy (04:04): "It was the worst day of my life."

3. Introduction to the Episode’s Theme: Grab Bag of Games (05:07 – 08:31)

After the anecdote, the hosts transition into discussing the episode's main content—a variety of video games they've been enjoying. Justin humorously downplays the significance of these games, but the hosts dive deeper into each title, offering insights and reviews.

• Justin McElroy (05:10): "Welcome to the Besties, where we talk about the latest and greatest in home interactive entertainment."

4. Runescape Dragon Wilds Review (08:31 – 18:24)

Overview and Gameplay Mechanics

Griffin introduces RuneScape Dragon Wilds, describing it as an open-world survival crafting game that incorporates elements from the classic RuneScape MMOs. He explains the integration of RuneScape's skill system into a survival genre, making the game unique and engaging.

• Griffin McElroy (08:10): "...Runescape Dragon Wilds... it is like an open world survival crafting game in the vein of your shrouded rusts, things along that line."

Community and Development

Russ comments on the active RuneScape Reddit community, while Griffin elaborates on the game's successful integration of old-school mechanics with modern survival elements. They discuss the game's colorful aesthetic and the utility-focused base building, which differentiates it from other survival games.

• Russ Frost (12:58): "No, it's a lot of these sort of games, like even Enshrouded, which is a game I really liked, does have a kind of a filter over it..."
• Griffin McElroy (16:11): "So, yeah, I've been enjoying it. I've been playing on my Rogue Ally. It works pretty well."

Future Prospects

Griffin mentions his intention to revisit the game once it receives further updates, indicating the game's potential for growth and continued engagement.

• Griffin McElroy (17:23): "Yeah, it's definitely a check back in scenario."

5. Sunderfolk Overview (18:24 – 26:37)

Justin discusses his exploration of "Sunderfolk," a game developed by Secret Door. He presents it as a hybrid between cooperative and competitive gameplay, utilizing smartphones as controllers to enhance the multiplayer experience.

• Justin McElroy (19:35): "Think a game that is halfway between... Legend of Zelda, Four Swords."

Gameplay Mechanics

The game employs QR codes for players to download a companion app, turning their phones into touch-based controllers. This setup facilitates a seamless collaborative experience, allowing players to interact with the game environment dynamically.

• Justin McElroy (20:18): "...scanning the QR code on their phones and that prompts them to download an app that is the Sunderfolk controller."

Player Interaction and Experience

Russ and Griffin highlight the game's balance between collaboration and competition, noting how players must decide between helping others and pursuing personal gains, which adds depth to the multiplayer interactions.

• Griffin McElroy (25:05): "If you have kids, this would be a really great balance between, like, interacting with screens, but still, like, interacting with each other."

6. Bionic Bay Review (26:37 – 33:20)

Game Description and Aesthetic

Griffin introduces "Bionic Bay," a 2D puzzle-platformer reminiscent of "Limbo" and "Inside." The game features a scientist protagonist who is teleported to a hostile alien world, navigating through biomechanical landscapes filled with dangers like lasers and gears.

• Russ Frost (27:09): "You're a scientist in a lab and something goes wrong and you for some reason get teleported to an alien world..."

Gameplay and Mechanics

The hosts delve into the game's core mechanics, such as teleport swaps and super strength punches, which players use to solve puzzles and navigate the environment. The integration of these abilities with the game's physics-based challenges offers a fresh take on the platforming genre.

• Griffin McElroy (29:45): "A lot of moments are like, oh, shit, I can't believe that worked moments. It's quite smart."

Visuals and Performance

Russ praises the game's stunning visuals and smooth performance, particularly on platforms like the Steam Deck. The artistic design effectively conveys a sense of scale and immersion.

• Russ Frost (30:00): "I found it just visually very compelling, like immediately grabbing."

Online Features

Griffin mentions the asynchronous online feature, allowing players to compete against ghost runs of others, enhancing replayability through daily challenges and character customization.

• Griffin McElroy (30:51): "Once you beat it, there wasn't necessarily a reason for me to go back. And this gives me a little bit more of an incentive to, like, go back and, you know, play."

7. Listener Mail and Recommendations (34:02 – 35:56)

The hosts read a listener's letter from Bass Toad, requesting game recommendations focused on freeform construction and collaborative play. They respond with a curated list of games that cater to building and creativity, including "Vintage Story," "Planet Zoo," "Tiny Glade," "Blockland," and "The Sims 4."

• Russ Frost (34:35): "Blockland, a Lego style building game where you are the size of a minifigure."

Griffin and Russ share personal anecdotes about these games, reminiscing about past experiences and discussing their current impressions, emphasizing the versatility and creativity these titles offer.

• Griffin McElroy (35:22): "God, Blockland. I remember playing this game."

8. Upcoming Content and Wrap-Up (35:56 – 53:00)

Future Episodes Teasers

The hosts preview upcoming episodes, including a review of the "Oblivion Remaster" and "Skin Deep" by Blendo Games. They express excitement about these titles, hinting at in-depth discussions and high expectations based on past experiences.

• Justin McElroy (52:11): "I think it's eight years. That's gonna be next week. Be sure to skin next time for the besties because shouldn't the world's best friends pick the world's best games."

Host Projects and Personal Updates

Justin showcases his personal project—a portable video game console built using a Raspberry Pi 5, complete with custom controllers and a monitor. The demonstration highlights his technical prowess and passion for gaming hardware.

• Justin McElroy (44:05): "I got a Raspberry PI 5 Velcroed to the top of that. Right. And then I've got the two controllers paired with, with Bluetooth to this."

Conclusion and Thank Yous

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to Patreon supporters and a humorous exchange about the portability and naming of Justin's custom console. The hosts maintain their engaging dynamic, leaving listeners anticipating the next episode.

• Russ Frost (50:00): "Have you done like, how much, like, when you start a new device, how much work do you have to do over again?"

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Integration of Classic Elements: The hosts appreciate how modern games like RuneScape Dragon Wilds and Sunderfolk integrate classic gaming mechanics with contemporary genres, offering nostalgic yet fresh experiences.

• Innovation in Multiplayer: Sunderfolk's use of smartphones as controllers exemplifies innovative approaches to multiplayer gaming, fostering both collaboration and competition.

• Emphasis on Visuals and Mechanics: Bionic Bay stands out for its compelling visuals and intelligent puzzle design, blending aesthetic appeal with challenging gameplay.

• Community and Longevity: The discussion around RuneScape highlights the importance of active communities and ongoing development in maintaining a game's relevance and player engagement over time.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Justin McElroy (05:10): "Welcome to the Besties, where we talk about the latest and greatest in home interactive entertainment."

• Russ Frost (02:07): "So I went to the supermarket... It took like, 25 minutes to wait in this line."

• Griffin McElroy (08:10): "...Runescape Dragon Wilds... it is like an open world survival crafting game in the vein of your shrouded rusts, things along that line."

• Griffin McElroy (29:45): "A lot of moments are like, oh, shit, I can't believe that worked moments. It's quite smart."

• Justin McElroy (44:05): "I got a Raspberry PI 5 Velcroed to the top of that. Right. And then I've got the two controllers paired with, with Bluetooth to this."

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Besties," Griffin, Justin, Chris, and Russ provide insightful and entertaining reviews of a diverse selection of video games. From nostalgic triumphs like RuneScape Dragon Wilds to innovative newcomers like Sunderfolk and Bionic Bay, the hosts offer their unique perspectives, enriched with humor and personal anecdotes. Listener engagement through mail and future project showcases, such as Justin's portable console, further enhance the episode's depth and variety. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to these titles, this episode delivers valuable insights and entertaining discussions that celebrate the joy of gaming among friends.