Podcast Summary: The Besties – Episode: Too Many Games? Not a Problem! Release Date: September 20, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Besties, hosts Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, and Russ Frushtick delve into their favorite video games, discuss the challenges of game discovery in an oversaturated market, and explore the intersection of gaming with physical exercise. Despite Russ being absent for this episode, the camaraderie among the hosts remains palpable as they navigate through various gaming topics.

Featured Games

Timestamp references are included throughout the summary to highlight notable quotes and discussions.

1. Children of Morta (5:52 - 13:48)

Justin McElroy introduces Children of Morta, a narrative-driven RPG centered around the Bergson family, defenders of Mount Morta against a pervasive corruption.

• Gameplay Mechanics:

  • Each family member possesses unique abilities, making each run distinct. For example, Lily, the daughter, can fire fireballs but only when stationary ([06:17]).
  • The game features an evolving skill system where leveling one character can unlock abilities for others. Justin states: “It's really run-based, but the way you approach each level varies a lot depending on which family member you're using” ([07:31]).

• Art and Story:

  • The art style is likened to a mix of "Saturday morning cartoons" with high animation and low detail, reminiscent of Dead Cells ([10:52]).
  • The story unfolds through beautifully narrated and animated cutscenes after each run, enhancing the emotional depth and engagement ([09:42]).

• Publisher Insight:

  • Published by 11 bit studios, known for titles like Frostpunk and The War of Mine, adding credibility to the game's narrative strength ([11:08]).

Justin enthusiastically remarks:

“It's a lot of fun figuring out how each of these different characters play and which ones you kind of click with” ([13:48]).

2. Core Keeper (14:07 - 20:08)

Griffin McElroy discusses his experience with Core Keeper, a top-down survival sandbox game inspired by Terraria.

• Gameplay Experience:

  • Emphasizes resource collection, crafting, and base building. Griffin describes: “You start out in this underground world... and it's up to you to start digging around, collecting resources, building new things” ([14:23]).
  • The 1.0 update introduced a perimeter to the world, increased density, and added fast travel waypoints, enhancing exploration ([17:52]).

• Skill System and Progression:

  • Skills improve through activities, encouraging players to engage in diverse tasks. Griffin notes: “You can look at your skills and see which ones are at zero and be like, oh, should I be messing around more with like cooking because my cooking skill is really low” ([17:52]).
  • The update also revealed deeper layers of the game’s world, making progression more satisfying ([18:22]).

• Community and Early Access Challenges:

  • Justin comments on the complexity for new players:

    “I found it a little overwhelming. It feels like it could have a better ramp up on resources and the things you discover” ([19:20]).

3. Grapple Dogs Cosmic Canines (23:17 - 26:36)

Christopher Thomas Plant shares his enthusiasm for Grapple Dogs Cosmic Canines, a charming 2D platformer featuring adorable dog protagonists.

• Gameplay and Design:

  • Combines classic platforming elements reminiscent of Mario and Sonic with modern twists like grappling hooks ([23:17]).
  • The sequel introduces Shadow, a dog with a gun, adding variety to the gameplay ([25:29]).

• Market Saturation Concerns:

  • Despite its quality, the game struggles to gain visibility due to the overwhelming number of releases on platforms like Nintendo Switch. Christopher laments:

    “This is a really, really solid, really polished 2D platformer with a lot of charm... 57 reviews in a week feels like a death sentence for this game” ([26:27]).

Market Saturation and Discovery Challenges (26:27 - 33:16)

The hosts engage in a candid discussion about the inundation of video games in the market, particularly on platforms like Nintendo Switch and Steam. They express frustration over the difficulty of discovering standout indie titles amidst a flood of releases.

• Overwhelming Volume:

  • Christopher highlights:

    “There are just too many fucking games. The audience is going to help us beta test them... but you end up making the most hardcore version of the game” ([26:27]).

• Limited Media Solutions:

  • Discussion about how traditional media and platforms like Steam storefront provide only partial solutions for game discovery. Griffin suggests:

    “There's no solution for discovery that I think is consistent enough on the press side” ([32:53]).

• Potential Solutions:

  • Christopher proposes curation by media outlets as a possible way to sift through the noise, though acknowledging its limitations due to the sheer volume of releases ([29:39]).

Gaming and Exercise (36:48 - 44:32)

The conversation shifts to integrating gaming with physical exercise, exploring how certain games can enhance workout routines.

• Griffin’s Experience:

  • Uses World of Warcraft on a Steam Deck attached to an exercise bike, creating an immersive workout experience. Griffin explains:

    “I sit down on my bike and... I will bike for an hour or more just because I completely lose myself in the wonderful world of Azeroth” ([37:42]).

• Justin’s Approach:

  • Prefers run-based games like Children of Morta and Deep Rock Galactic Survivor that match the optimal exercise duration without requiring extensive downtime for narratives ([40:38]).
  • Justin notes:

    “One, your typical run is about as long as I'd like to be exercising in a stretch... and there's very little downtime in terms of narrative” ([40:38]).

• Christopher’s Take:

  • Enjoys open-world games like Assassin's Creed Odyssey and even Death Stranding while exercising, appreciating the seamless integration of grind and narrative ([41:19]).

• Benefits and Challenges:

  • Hosts discuss how integrating gaming with exercise can make workouts more enjoyable and engaging, though acknowledging the complexities of multitasking.

Honorable Mentions and Recommendations (45:40 - 65:46)

The hosts share additional game and media recommendations, offering insights into movies and TV shows that resonate with their interests.

1. Movie Recommendations:

• Perfect Days (45:40 - 48:25):

  • A contemplative film about a Japanese man living a solitary life, praised for its beautiful cinematography and emotional depth.
  • Griffin describes:

    “It's absolutely breathtakingly beautiful... it hit me with that airplane movie, like, full blown weeping at one part of the film” ([46:08]).

• Little Shop of Horrors (52:00 - 59:34):

  • Christopher recommends this classic musical for its enduring influence on Disney musicals of the '90s. Highlights include Steve Martin's performance and the film’s stop-motion destruction scenes.
  • Justin enthusiastically shares:

    “Every second of it is an absolute delight” ([58:01]).

• From (48:30 - 56:36):

  • Justin introduces From, a gripping TV series about families trapped in a mysterious town. The show’s intricate plot and character dynamics are highlighted.
  • Justin explains:

    “You have to decide if you want to live in town or in Colony House... it's absolutely stunningly beautiful” ([51:02]).

2. Subscription and Production Acknowledgements:

• The hosts thank their Patreon supporters and briefly discuss upcoming content available to patrons, including exclusive game recommendations and behind-the-scenes insights.

Conclusion and Future Previews (61:55 - 65:46)

• Upcoming Content:

  • Justin Teases:

    “Next week, we'll be talking about UFO 50, a game I seriously never thought would actually be released” ([65:19]).

• Final Remarks:

  • Hosts encourage listeners to engage with their Patreon for additional content and express excitement for future episodes where they will continue to explore and review standout games.

Notable Quotes

• Justin McElroy on game discovery challenges:

  “Discovery is so hard. It feels almost random at this point” ([28:14]).

• Griffin McElroy on integrating gaming with exercise:

  “I sit down on my bike and... I will bike for an hour or more just because I completely lose myself in the wonderful world of Azeroth” ([37:42]).

• Christopher Thomas Plant on market saturation:

  “There are just too many fucking games... it feels like a mountain that cannot be climbed” ([26:27]).

Final Thoughts

The Besties successfully navigates the complexities of the modern gaming landscape, offering insightful reviews and candid discussions. This episode not only highlights beloved titles like Children of Morta and Core Keeper but also critically examines the overwhelming abundance of games and the resultant discovery challenges faced by gamers and developers alike. Additionally, the integration of gaming with physical exercise presents an innovative approach to enhancing both mental and physical well-being. As the hosts continue to dissect and celebrate the world of gaming, listeners are treated to a blend of expert opinions, heartfelt recommendations, and engaging banter that encapsulates why The Besties remain a go-to podcast for gaming enthusiasts.