The Besties

Most people will tell you Kirby Air Riders is a racing game. But on today’s Besties, one brave soul dares to speak the truth. Plus, Sektori is the best Geometry Wars game since the original. We explain why you should make time for this modern-retro masterpiece in the busiest season of the year.

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2025

The Besties chat about the games of 2025, advocating for their GOTY darkhorses that they fear will go overlooked. There’s no clear favorite to take home the Besties top spot. Hell, we’re not even sure what will make the bracket. And more great games are still being released every week.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2025

Fortnite’s new Simpsons update reimagines the entire experience through the decades-old cartoon. You can select from Homer, Lisa, Flanders, Moe, and other playable characters, then skydive into a faithful recreation of Springfield. The detail is absurd, down to the operable trap door button in Mr. Burns’ office. It feels like the culmination of Epic Games’ efforts to be the black hole that pulls in every corner of mainstream pop culture. Fortnite has become so big and so appealing that it raises the uncomfortable question floating around the rise of similar Forever Games: are most people motivated to play anything else?

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2025

This week, we talk about a mystery game that feels like a book, a historic epic that plays like a movie, and a simulator that takes the place of our favorite chores. No surprise, The Besties find themselves wondering what a video game even is.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2025

Pokémon Legends Z-A is the latest entry in the pocket monster franchise, and the first in years to run quite well on Nintendo’s hardware. But what does the game offer beyond technical improvements? Plus, Keeper plops us in the … shoes? … of an ambulatory lighthouse.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2025

The studio that created Fallout: New Vegas has had a busy year, delivering Avowed, the early access of Grounded 2, and now Outer Worlds 2. This latest release comes the closest to the team’s legacy in the Fallout universe. But can it achieve those high highs without the beloved trappings of post-apocalyptic America? And would you believe it has strong feelings about capitalism?

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2025

Ball x Pit makes an incredible first impression. But whether it’s a great break from the frustrations of life or an overly powerful time suck will depend on your taste in games. The Besties explain why.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2025

What if you combined the structure of Hades with the minute-to-minute gameplay of Castle Crashers? Absolum! The new game from the creators of Streets of Rage 4 is one of the best surprises in a year full of them. Plus, The Besties take a trip to 1960s Japan with Silent Hill f. It might not look like other entries in the series, but we explain why this is definitely a Silent Hill game.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2025

The Besties were mixed on 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima, but have found a lot to love in its new sequel, Ghost of Yotei. What makes this open-world Sony-exclusive stand out? Plus, Griffin updates the group on the brilliant remake of Final Fantasy Tactics. And we make some time to pick through the mailbag!

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2025

Baby Steps is the latest game from the creators of QWOP, Getting Over It, and Ape Out. This time, these connoisseurs of challenge have created a game about an awkward man who is transported from his parents’ basement to a fantastical mountain. His goal: reach the top. The challenge: learning to walk. Plus, Justin catches us up on the state of emulator handhelds. Like the show? Leave a review!

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2025

Borderlands 4 reimagines the series with more weapons and less snark. Will that be enough to appease longtime fans and attract skeptical newcomers? The Besties chat about the many positive tweaks and the one structural decision that impacts the entire experience. Plus, Justin talks about mobile Destiny, and Plante shares his opinions on a new co-op indie game.

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2025

After years of anticipation, Hollow Knight: Silksong has arrived. And it’s difficult! The Besties talk about what makes the game so appealing, the early spike in difficulty, and the appeal of discovering small upgrades in an inhospitable (but beautiful) world.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2025

With practically every “important” PlayStation 2 game being remastered, remade, and reimagined, it wasn’t a surprise when Konami announced Metal Gear Solid Delta. The question wasn’t “would it exist?”, but “should it exist?” This week, The Besties discuss why Metal Gear Solid 3 benefits from a high-definition, low-tweak update. And they debate just how loyal a remake should be to its source material.

Transcribed - Published: 5 September 2025

This week, The Besties wrangle fantastical beasts in the new herding game, Herdling. It’s a beautiful throwback to the atmospheric games of the PS2 era. But your enjoyment will depend on your gaming preferences. In the back half, we open the listener mailbag, and Justin shares his thoughts on an alternate, more modifiable video game industry.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2025

Filmmaker and video essayist Patrick H. Willems makes sense of 30 years of video game movies. Learn how Mario went from box office poison to Hollywood's favorite blockbuster!

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

Sword of the Sea is the closest game yet to a Journey sequel. The new game from Giant Squid sends a silent, heroic character through a desert on a magical sword that fills the world with life-giving waters. It’s fun! It’s beautiful! It’s… sensual? In the back half, the Besties discuss the big news from Gamescom, including updates on Silksong and Bubsy 4D.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2025

Mafia: The Old Country is one of the most visually extravagant AAA video games we’ve ever played. And yet, there’s very little game to be found in this strange, disjointed, but decadent tale of organized crime in early 20th-century Sicily. Why has the Mafia series struggled for decades to deliver on its ambitions? And how did this get made? The Besties unpack their complicated feelings after a week with this oddity. And because we always like to provide something fresh for you to try, we share a few new, enjoyable games.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

Want a prehistoric riff on Metroidvanias? Crave a life-consuming multiplayer survival adventure? Yearn for the olden times of point-and-click adventures? This week, The Besties spotlight new delectable delicacies from across the video game spectrum. Music featured: "Primal Planet (Reprise)" by Michael Kirby Ward from Primal Planet: https://michaelkirbyward.bandcamp.com/

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

The first of two new Ninja Gaiden games has arrived! The developers of Blasphemous have produced a 2D retro-inspired action game worthy of the original entries on the NES. Are we living in a golden age of ninja games? Is there such a thing as too many ninjas? The Besties investigate!

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

Donkey Kong Bananza isn't the game we expected Nintendo would create to launch the Switch 2. But we're so glad they made this weird, wonderful, and inverted platformer. Who needs to jump when you can smash? Plus, what other Nintendo series deserve the AAA treatment?

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo looks and feels like a lost Game Boy Advance game, but with all of the quality of life improvements of a modern game. We talk about what makes it a great game to fill a weekend. In the back half, we share our feelings on the nerd event of the season: Superman!

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

This week, The Besties talk about Deltarune Chapters 1-4. Though a few more chapters are on the way, now’s a great time to try the Undertale follow-up. We explain why. Plus, the gang brings a bundle of indie games you shouldn’t overlook!

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

The Alters is one of the year’s most interesting games, blending experimental sci-fi narrative with a clever management simulation. The Besties talk about how the game’s mechanics clock together, why the story deserved more space, and what makes the developers’ use of AI so irritating. Plus, Plante played an awesome Persona/SMT spin-off

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2025

This week, the Besties deliver an episode on Death Stranding 2. It’s a big and heavy one, but we were happy to hike across the internet and leave it on your podcast app of choice. Plus, we dig into the mailbag!

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

Mario Kart World is getting all of the attention at the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. But if you look deeper into the Nintendo eShop, you’ll find another excellent racing game for a fraction of the price. Fast Fusion reimagines the futuristic fun of the Wipeout and F-Zero series. This week, The Besties discuss this $14.99 surprise, along with revisiting the Switch 2 following more time with the hardware.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2025

Nintendo’s new console is finally here. With Plante undergoing a colonoscopy (which was all okay!), the crew invited long-time friend of the show Chris Grant to discuss the Switch 2. In the back half, the group shares the most promising games from Summer Game Fest. Chris Grant: https://bsky.app/profile/charstring.com

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

This week, The Besties shuffle the deck and deal a hand of fun new video games. First, they discuss two new card games that have little in common beyond the cards themselves: Monster Train 2 and StarVaders. Then, Frushtick tells us about the oddball new multiplayer game in the From Soft universe, Elden Ring: Nightreign.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

The cult 3DS game Fantasy Life returns, now on all major platforms and PC. The sequel blends Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and action-RPGs. Plus, we live the life of Teen in To a T, the new game from the creator of Katamari Damacy.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages is a surprisingly bold departure from the formula of its predecessors. It’s also quite fun — if you can vibe with its slightly slower, parry-heavy gunplay. In the back half, the boys pick some letters off the top of the mailbag. Plus, Plante launched his Patreon for Post Games, and subscribers can listen to new episodes right now!

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2025

Due to technical issues, our Doom conversation has been delayed until next week. The good news? We finally had time to dig into our backlogs! The boys brought a bag of beautiful bits and bobs. A boomer shooter! An actually good IP game! And THE Planet Crafter.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

This week, the boys have two new games to share with you. First, Griffin and Plante go deep into the wilderness of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an exceptional RPG. Then, Hoops and Frush report on their journey in Revenge of the Savage Planet.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

The Besties talk about the brand new, ultra indie immersive-sim Skin Deep. Then they revisit the world of Oblivion. But none of this matters because Plante got a CRTV to play Promise Mascot Agency.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

On this episode of The Besties, we're checking out some stellar smaller games: Bionic Bay, Sunderfolk, and Runescape Dragonwilds. We've also got an update on the latest and greatest in Japanese reality television, as well as the true meaning of Easter.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

Promise Mascot Agency is like running errands on a cool summer day, the radio blasting killer tunes and a good friend riding shotgun. Justin and Plante talk about what makes this a great example of a “chore game.” Plus, the dastardly duo discuss emulation. Because nobody can stop them!

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

We will try to convince you to play Blue Prince without spoiling Blue Prince. But first, we need to talk about the Switch 2: the games, the price, the canceled pre-order date, and everything else.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Over the past 12 years, The Besties have — one by one — fallen in love with the Monster Hunter series. The latest entry, Monster Hunter Wilds, 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

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2024