The Besties

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

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!

Published: 20 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

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?

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

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!

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

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!

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

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!

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024

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!

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2024

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!

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2024

This week, The Besties travel to a galaxy far, far away to play Star Wars: Outlaws. The crew also talks about some delightful new indies, including Bloodless and Fields of Mistria. Plus, CHIMP CRAZY?!

Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2024

Black Myth Wukong is a sequel to the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West. It’s also a AAA action game with a spectacular opening that channel’s the scale of Asura’s Wrath. You remember Asura’s Wrath, right? In this episode, the crew discusses the game, the book, and many adaptations.

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2024

Tactical Breach Wizards looks like XCOM, plays like FTL, and has writing as good if not better than most RPGs. Rarely are all four Besties this hyped for the same game, but here we are!

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2024

The Operator is a spy game set entirely on the desktop computer of a government employee. We call this sort of game a UI RPG. We talk about other entries in this growing genre and then open the mailbag to answer some particularly excellent questions.

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2024

What makes a video game funny? This week, The Besties try World of Goo 2, the sequel to one of the original silly indie games. In the back half, they wax poetic on Thank Goodness You’re Here, the most comically British game… ever?

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2024

SteamWorld Heist 2 is one of the year’s best surprises. The turn-based tactics shooter builds on its 2015 predecessor in practically every way, transforming into a rich mishmash of story, adventuring, and thrilling shootouts. In the back half, The Besties make progress on emptying the mailbag with a lengthy AMA.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2024

This week, Nintendo challenges the Besties to become elite speedrunners. Can they beat Mario in minutes? Will they transform into a morph ball in mere seconds? Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition helps the crew test the limits of their skills. Plus, Dungeons of Hinterberg blends Persona hangout session with Zelda’s dungeon-crawling combat. NOTE: This episode of the Besties was recorded before the announcement of the SAG-AFTRA strike against major video game publishers.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2024

We have talked about dozens of awesome games in 2024, yet we still missed several tasty delights. This week, the Besties take solo journeys across the world of gaming and return with some fascinating discoveries. Want a remake of a ‘90s classic? Or an FPS about sneakers? Have we got the games for you!

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2024

We stand at the midpoint of 2024. Behind us, we see a towering pile of video games. We reach into the stack and pull something loose. It’s Balatro! We grab another game from the rubble! Like a Dragon! Together, the Besties retrieve the best games of the year from this mess and bring only the best!

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2024

Nintendo’s final year of Switch has been a bizarre mishmash of remakes and spinoffs. Luigi’s Mansion 2 continues that trend, updating the 2013 3DS jaunt for a 2024 audience. Can a decade-old game meet the expectations of Luigi’s Mansion 3 fans? And what other 3DS games should Nintendo update next?

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2024

Can the game of the year be a DLC expansion? This week, The Besties discuss Elden Ring: The Shadow of the Erdtree, the highly anticipated addition to one of the greatest games of all time. Is it too hard? How is it different from the original game? Can The Besties get gud? In the back half, what do we want from FromSoftware moving forward? Listen to find out!

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2024

Nintendo can't be stopped! With the Nintendo Switch 2 coming in 2025, we expected 2024 to be a slow year for the iconic game publisher. We were wrong. We open the show with a long convo about the big announcements, including a Zelda game starring Zelda. In the back half, The Besties hop into Destiny 2 one last time to try the last major update, The Final Shape. The MMO FPS launched in 2017 -- the same year Nintendo announced Metroid Prime 4.

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2024

Hundreds of games were shown during the Summer Game Fest. The Besties spotlight some of their favorites, while discussing the strange and messy state of the video game industry in 2024. Is SGF the E3 replacement of our dreams? How should we feel about Xbox’s big moment? Are small games the future? We attempt to provide some answers!

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2024

Prince of Persia is back — again! For the second time this year, Ubisoft has released a new Prince of Persia game that shifts the series to a new genre. Rogue Prince of Persia is, as the name suggests, a roguelike. Built by the team that steered Dead Cells through its later updates, Rogue Prince of Persia builds on that game’s formula in clever ways. But! In a market full of killer games in this genre, where does this new one stand?

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2024

This week’s special guest is Mario! Or as some people say, Merry-O. The most popular plumber on our podcast returns with a remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. This might shock you, but Griffin is in love. What about the rest of the crew? In the back half, the Besties share their best guesses for Summer Game Fest.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024