The Besties
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Usually, we talk about the latest and great video games. But this week, what if we try the greatest of the not-so-latest? That’s right, it’s finally time to talk about Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and many other tasty delights. In the back half, we reflect on Nintendo’s farewell Direct for the original Switch. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
Assassin's Creed Shadows finally takes the series to Feudal Japan. But is Ubisoft too late? Or does their AAAA mega release slice through the competition like a hidden blade to the neck of an unsuspecting foot soldier? Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
We’re talking REPO. (Not the genetic opera! Not the Emilio Estevez movie!) The co-op horror game blends laughs with thrills by dropping some deeply strange characters into a terrifying world. Plus, we talk Inzoi. Is it a legitimate threat to The Sims? Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
Wanderstop is the new game from developer Ivy Road, founded by Davey Wreden, Karla Zimonja, and C418. What looks like a farming game is an exploration of burnout, anxiety, and the "to-do" list nature of video games. It's not for everyone but it might be for you! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
This week, the Besties play Split Fiction, the latest game from the creators of It Takes Two. It tells the story of an evil corporation that uses AI to steal creative ideas and create generic sci-fi and fantasy drivel. It's published by EA. Video games! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
Over the past 12 years, The Besties have — one by one — fallen in love with the Monster Hunter series. The latest entry, , is the most welcoming version yet. It’s still a tremendous multiplayer experience, but the group discusses how well this entry works solo. Plus, Plante talks about his new love: the new revival of Tokyo Xtreme Racer, an all-but-dead racing series from the 2000s Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
Ahoy, besties! This week, the crew sets sails with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, a video game that’s as silly as its name suggests. Unlike its predecessor — our best game of 2024 — this entry features a new(ish) protagonist, old-school action combat, and a potpourri of new min-games that borrow from a wide range of Besties favorites, including Cooking Mama and Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag. Note from Plante: Last week’s description said Obsidian, the developer of Avowed, had previously made Fallout 76. It should have said Fallout: New Vegas. Sometimes I only have a chance to write the description/newsletter late, late, late in the night before we publish an episode — not an excuse, just an explanation. Needless to say, the mistake was human error and not the result of my co-hosts replacing me with a Content Bot. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
The Besties discuss Avowed, the new game from Fallout 76 developer Obsidian. It is extremely our shit. Perhaps… too much so? What does that even mean? Listen to find out! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
2025 already has a fantastic Metroidvania, errrr, Search Action game! Ender Magnolia combines Metroid, Nier, Mega Man, and Pokémon into a single, beautiful 2D experience. Technically, this is a sequel, but no prior experience is required to enjoy this indie treat. In the back half, Griffin talks about his mixed experience with Civilization 7. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
We loved the original Citizen Sleeper, but were intimidated when we first heard the news of a sequel that would be more complicated — and presumably more difficult. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is just as complex as we expected and yet, once we got our feet beneath us, we couldn't stop playing. What makes a game difficult? Is it fun to lose? What does it mean to be “in the mood” for a game? We have the answers! Plus, Loco Motive — an extremely Justin McElroy game. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
Nintendo finally announced the Switch 2. So why do folks seem a bit disappointed by the reveal? We discuss what we know so far… and what’s to come. Plus, one of our most anticipated games of the year got stealth dropped and it’s a delight! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
Special guest Russ from Retro Game Corps teaches The Besties how to get into retro gaming handhelds. Here's you chance to become obsessed with the hobby! Plus, we finally catch up with Indiana Jones. For more Retro Gaming check out the channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroGameCorps Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
In the world of video games, 2025 will be an incredible year. The Besties collect over 25 games they can't wait to play in the coming months. We promise there's something here for you! And to think: we still don't know what will launch on the Switch. Well, maybe Frushtick knows. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
Frushtick and Plante’s annual predictions episode returns. They revisit their predictions from January 2024, crown a winner, and draft new predictions for the year to come. Here’s your chance to know the future! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
As a holiday treat, the Besties brings one of our most beloved Patreon bracket episodes to the main feed. What is the greatest video game console of all time? Before you answer that, we have one huge caveat: you can't factor in the quality of the games. We literally mean "what is the best chunk of plastic, chips, power cords, and peripherals?" Is this the most ridiculous question the Besties have sought to answer? We will leave you to decide. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
A year’s worth of video game podcasting has brought us to this moment. The Besties use their brains and brackets to select the Besties Besty of 2024. Plus, Frushtick, Hoops, Griffin, and Plante share their personal Top 5s! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Besties have places 16 games in their annual bracket. By the end of this extra meaty episode, eight will remain. Will your favorite make the cut? Listen to find out. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
Ahead of the annual Game Awards spectacle, Frushtick and Griffin make their predictions on which games will take home statues. Does Balatro really have a chance to win it all? Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
The 20th-anniversary update to Half-Life 2 turns the game into a masterclass in game design. The Besties talk about the in-game commentary along with the new feature-length documentary. No surprise: Valve nailed it again. Plus, Griffin and Frush opine on Pokémon TCG Pocket! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
It's not the holiday yet, but we couldn't help ourselves from digging into a game that embodies a decadent feast. Echo Point Nova is a forgettable name for an excellent game. The open-world indie FPS piles on powers like a doting aunt slopping sides onto your Thanksgiving plate. First, we triple jump, hoverboard, and grappling hook our way through its adventure. Then, we react to the Game Award nominations. Is it time for the awards to add more nominees? Listen to find out! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
This week, The Besties host a double feature! First, we’ve got the Hades-like Windblown, the new game from the creators of Dead Cells. Then, Griffin and Plante celebrate the ultra-cozy Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. And yes, we spend a little time on Mario & Luigi: Brothership — for better or worse. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
This week, the Besties pay tribute to the words of the great Huey Lewis and "gotta get back in time." How does their list of anticipated games from January look in the harsh light of November? Listen to find out! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
After nearly a decade, a new Dragon Age soars into the world. The Besties grab their swords and spells, hop through the portal, and make a delicious meal of the colossal RPG. Plus, the squad helps you pick which new RPG to play this holiday season. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
Crave the era of demo discs? It’s returned thanks to Steam Next Fest. This week, The Besties discuss 10 demos of anticipated games. Plus, we share some of your favorites. And we talk about a very special Justin McElroy video! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
The new remake of Silent Hill 2 has painterly visuals, killer sound design, and genuinely scary surprises. But why does this remake feel different than Dead Space and Resident Evil 4? The Besties click on their flashlights and search for an answer. Plus, a mail bag dive! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
Half of The Besties adore Metaphor: ReFantazio. The other half? It’s complicated! Griffin and Plante talk about the new RPG that puts a fantasy spin on the Persona formula. And Hoops and Frush bring two games that brought them joy, Yars Rising and Kill Knight. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
New Zelda week! The Besties step into the shoes of Zelda (not Link!) in Echoes of Wisdom. With the help of a magical wand and a star, they summon countless tables and vases to save the world. Plus, the crew looks at the remaining games of 2024. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
To pick through the 50 indie games stuffed into UFO 50, The Besties called in support: Bloomberg reporter and author Jason Schreier. We discuss our favorites from UFO 50 and the point of a collection this big. In the back half, Schreier shares some juicy tidbits from his new book on the history of Blizzard, Play Nice. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
This week, The Besties bring a crop of games that hadn't received the time and attention they deserve: Children of Morta, Core Keeper, Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines. Plus, Griffin shares his favorite exercise games, and Justin talks at length about a TV show that might not be real. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
Everybody on the crew agrees that Astrobot is a top contender for Game of the Year. But one member believes that the Sony exclusive is the best platformer of all time. Yes, even better than every Mario game. In this episode, The Besties discuss Sony’s humongous win of the week and its inexplicable own goal — the PS5 Pro. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan http://www.besties.fan/. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties http://patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
