The goal of Gunbrella is to find those responsible for your wife's death by wielding the murder weapon: a gun that turns into an umbrella. Of course this isn't any umbrella. It can block bullets, zip you into the sky, and grind rails like a pro skater. We really enjoyed the developer's previous game, Gato Roboto; can Gunbrella take their talents another step forward? In the second half, we make sense of this month's big video game industry controversy: Unity's baffling decision to change its pay...
Sep 19, 2023•44 min•Ep. 352
This week's game, the classic JRPG-inspired Sea of Stars, seems like it'd be up the alley of a couple of this podcast's humble hosts, and definitely not up the alley of some others. Well, guess again, buckaroo! Because it's got crossover appeal that we absolutely did not see coming. Also discussed: Karateka, Baldur's Gate 3, Fae Farm, Game Changers: The Video Game Revolution, The Beauty of Games, The Faculty, Who Shat On the Floor at My Wedding Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discus...
Sep 15, 2023•57 min•Ep. 351
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon might have one of the video game-iest ass titles in the history of games, but that doesn't stop it from being an absolute barn-burner of a mecha action game. Join us as we dive into our history with the series, and extol the virtues of the demo discs of yore. Also discussed: Starfield, No Man's Sky, Baldur's Gate 3, The Righteous Gemstones Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan . Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebes...
Sep 08, 2023•59 min•Ep. 350
Starfield inspired Frushtick to take a ship deep into the cosmos of No Man's Sky. After seven years and tons of updates, the sci-fi game is a stunning alternative for people who crave the awesomeness of space more than the dramatics of a traditional RPG. We also talk about the fantastic Shadow Gambit, a stealth tactics game for everybody -- not just fans of the genre. Also discussed: Retro Bowl and Only Weird Games. For more info and links to all games, follow our newsletter besties.fan. Get the...
Sep 05, 2023•49 min•Ep. 349
Todd and the gang have cooked up another big ol' game for us: The outer space frontier explorin', space ship buildin', dude blastin' open world RPG known as Starfield. How well does Bethesda's formula apply to the infinite cosmos? We have some thoughts. Also discussed: No Man's Sky, New World, Finity Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan . Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!...
Sep 01, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 348
This episode is just wall-to-wall, chock-a-block full of new and upcoming games! We're talking Armored Core 6! Fae Farm! Blasphemous 2! Stray Gods! Just, like, too many for one episode, but we done did it anyways! Also discussed: YEAH, YOU WANT THOSE GAMES, RIGHT? SO, HERE YOU GO! NOW LET'S SEE YOU CLEAR THEM!, Doomsday Hunters, En Garde, Baldur's Gate 3, Unlock!, Robodunk, New World Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan . Want more episodes? Join us at patreo...
Aug 25, 2023•58 min•Ep. 347
It's the penultimate episode of The Resties Required Reading List! If this is your first entry, don't worry. It's easy to hop on. Our goal is to curate a "must-play" list of 25 games released between 1980 to 2020. Think of it like Video Games 101. This week, we've selected games from 1990-1994. Time to be little kids again! For the full list of games discussed on the episode, along with our previous picks for the list, visit besties.fan. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at ...
Aug 22, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 346
This week, we're pivoting a little bit, which is honestly what us Besties do Best. First off, a little bit about the perplexing choices of Hammerwatch II — but then, who's that coming over the top rope?! It's Justin, who missed our first chat about Baldur's Gate 3, and is ready to dunk down with his own opinions! Also discussed: The Nonary Games, The Sexy Brutale, The Forgotten City, Outer Wilds, Minit, The Legend of Zelda, Wool Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besti...
Aug 18, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 345
Baldur's Gate 3 has been a long time coming, and boy howdy, it does not disappoint. How well has Larian Studios adapted the D&D 5E tabletop experience into the digital realm, and how many ways can you mess with your friends in the game's incredibly robust co-op offering? Find out inside! Also discussed: TMNT: Mutant Mayhem, Oppenheimer, THE FIRST SLAM DUNK Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan . Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties for three b...
Aug 11, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 344
Double Dragon helped popularize the beat 'em-up genre in 1980s arcades, but over the following decades, the series fell into irrelevance. Recently, the publisher handed the rights to an indie developer with a knack for pixelated combat. The result is Double Dragon Gaiden, a clever twist on the genre with a small army of playable characters. In the second half of the episode, Frushtick and Plante pick their combined six favorite beat 'em-ups! Subscribe to our newsletter at besties.fan for a full ...
Aug 08, 2023•47 min•Ep. 343
Disney Illusion Island might not be the most mechanically complex platformer to grace modern consoles, but what it lacks in depth it more than makes up for with systems to ease in younger, less nimble-fingered players. We're talking all about it, and also tierlisting all the Mickeyverse characters for some reason. Also discussed: Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition, Mia and the Dragon Princess, Good Omens Season 2, Chip and Dale Park Life Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed...
Aug 04, 2023•46 min•Ep. 342
There's never been a better time to hop aboard the Pikmin train! What does Pikmin 4 add (and subtract) to make it the series most digestible entry to date? Also, how well does a classic DS Match 3 RPG hold up in 2023? Also discussed: Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes - Definitive Edition, Gravity Circuit, Luck Be a Landlord iOS, Chrono Cross Remastered, UN Squadron, Ridiculous Fishing EX, Matinee, Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits, Zoey Punches the Future in the Dick Get the full list of games ...
Jul 28, 2023•52 min•Ep. 341
This week, the Resties dive deep into the waters of Ridiculous Fishing EX, an exceptional update of the brilliant decade-old mobile game. They also take a tour of Remnant 2, the sequel to "Dark Souls with guns." For the full list of games and much more, subscribe to the Besties/Resties newsletter at besties.fan! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan . Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!...
Jul 25, 2023•50 min•Ep. 340
This week, we're diving into the Portal-esque Viewfinder, a game all about taking photos and then using those photos to, well ... it's hard to explain in the description of a podcast. We also talk about some of our favorite photography moments in games. For the full list of games we talked about on this episode, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, which can be found at besties.fan. (We sometimes drop free game codes in there, as well!) Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed a...
Jul 21, 2023•46 min•Ep. 339
Consider this your official warning: If you haven't finished Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom yet, you might wanna just give this one a skiperoo until later -- unless you don't care about that kind of stuff, of course. Today's discussion is a no holds barred, spoiler-filled look at the year's best game so far! Also discussed: Paranormasight, Trust, Marie Antoinette Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan . Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties for thr...
Jul 14, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 338
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on games, schedule, merch, and egg steam pics: https://thebesties.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-besties-newsletter BattleBit Remastered plays like Battlefield, looks like Robolox, and is one of the most technically impressive indie games of all time. Frushtick and Plante do their best to survive the virtual war ground while explaining how this little miracle came to be. In the back half, the pair pick six Switch games you should try after Tears of the King...
Jul 11, 2023•45 min•Ep. 337
We're halfway done with this great experiment we call 2023, and hot dang, there's been some certified club bangers in the mix, huh? We're spending this episode going over the best of the best, the biggest blanks in our backlog, and the most anticipated titles still to come! Games discussed: Fire Emblem Engage, Dead Space, HiFi Rush, Metroid Prime Remastered, Like a Dragon Isshin, Wo Long, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Have a Nice Death, Dredge, Pizza Tower, Tchia, Paranormasight, Rusted Moss, Mr. Sun'...
Jul 07, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 336
On this episode of The Besties, the gang dive into the massive new RPG, Final Fantasy 16, what with its F-bombs and Mothercrystals. We're also discussing Nintendo's latest Direct presentation, which featured one of the most ridiculous Mario trailers ever. Other games discussed: Detective Pikachu Returns, Super Mario RPG, Wario Ware Move It, Super Mario Bros Wonder, Mythforce, Diablo 4, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Asteroid City (the movie) Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed a...
Jun 30, 2023•59 min•Ep. 335
The Resties Required Reading List continues with games from 2015-2020. Yes, dear listener, it's time to pick some games that you've probably played -- and that we've definitely discussed! Our goal is to curate a "must-play" list of 25 games released between 1980 to 2020. Think of it like Video Games 101. Where do modern hits fit into a list of all-time classics? Let's find out! Previous picks: 85-89 - Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, SimCity 95-99 - Super Mario 64, Pokemon Red and Blue, F...
Jun 27, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 334
This week, what’s old is new again in System Shock Remake — and what’s new is ALSO new, by which we mean a bunch of stuff got announced during the recent slate of summertime gaming press conferences. Let’s talk about all of it! Also discussed: My House, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Diablo 4, Jury Duty Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan . Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!...
Jun 16, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 333
Boltgun is the latest game in the Warhammer 40k universe. But good news: you don't need to know a single thing about Warhammer to enjoy this little surprise. In fact, this new shooter will more likely click with fans of Doom, Quake, and Duke Nukem. We dig into the latest "boomer shooter," and then reminisce about the early days of the FPS. Was Plante accidentally buying pirated games? Can Frush explain shareware? Learn the answers to those questions and more on this week's episode of The Resties...
Jun 13, 2023•49 min•Ep. 332
We invited frequent Bestie and renowned demonologist Ron Funches to help us break down Diablo 4, a therapeutic loot-grinder for casuals and lonely hearts alike! Also discussed: Across the Spider-Verse, The Holy Mountain, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan . Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!...
Jun 09, 2023•54 min•Ep. 331
We weren't really sure if we'd have much to say about Street Fighter 6, given our lack of experience in the fighting game scene. Fortunately for us, it features an open-world single player mode that is the most unapologetically goofy thing ever. We're chatting all about World Tour mode, as well as: Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, Barry, Succession, And a Bunch of Arcade Classics Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan . Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/the...
Jun 02, 2023•53 min•Ep. 330
E3 is dead. Now what? Without one video game event to rule them all, video game publishers are trying a variety of approaches. This week, Sony held its big digital event, showing a bundle of games coming to PlayStation hardware, including a lengthy gameplay clip from Spider-Man 2. Ubisoft also released a trailer for its new Assassin's Creed. What should we make of this news? And what we can expect from the upcoming announcements from Xbox and others? The Resties have the answers! Get the full li...
May 30, 2023•45 min•Ep. 329
Welcome back! We're diving a little deeper into The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom this week, chatting about our first dungeon experience, our spooky time in the depths and our general feelings about the game before we move on to the next big title. Also discussed: A Matter of Life and Death, Sisu, Barry Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan . Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!...
May 26, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 328
It's Here! The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has been out for a week, and in that time we, like you, have flung approximately three dozen Koroks to their deaths. But how's the rest of the game? Spoiler alert: (Very good.) Also discussed: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan . Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!...
May 19, 2023•58 min•Ep. 327
Yes, it's Zelda week, but we still need some time to play Link's new adventure before we share our opinions. In the meantime, we want to spotlight a delightful new game that most folks missed. Rusted Moss gives the Metroidvania genre the one thing it needs: a killer grappling hook. We also talk about the Asus ROG Ally, the first legitimate Steam Deck competitor. Honorable mentions: PHoop Dreams, Blackberry, and Breath of the Wild. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.bes...
May 16, 2023•51 min•Ep. 326
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is out today, which probably means you're playing it right now and not necessarily in a podcast listening mood. Hey, we get it. We're in the same boat, probably, since we didn't get early access. We chat a bit about Zelda in this one, but mostly, we're focused on the glut of great mobile games that have dropped over the past few months! Also discussed: TMNT: Splintered Fate, What the Car, 10 Dates, Zen Pinball: Garfield Table, Honkai Star Rail, Grand Mou...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 325
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor brings back Cal Kestis for another interstellar romp, blending Souls-like combat and Uncharted-like exploration in great measures. How has his Jedi technique evolved in the intervening years since Fallen Order? And what's like, the grossest facial hair you can unlock? Also discussed: Meet Your Maker, Are You There God It's Me Margaret, Have a Nice Death, Psychonauts 2 Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan . Want more episodes? Join us ...
May 05, 2023•49 min•Ep. 324
The Resties Required Reading List is back, baby! Our goal is to curate a "must-play" list of 25 games released between 1980 to 2020. Think of it like Video Games 101. This week, we've selected games from 2000-2004. Join us as we revisit our high school and college days of video games! Previous picks -- 1985-89: Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, SimCity. 1995-99: Super Mario 64, Pokemon Red and Blue, Final Fantasy 7, Starcraft. 2005-09: Resident Evil 4, Wii Sports, Call of Duty: Modern Warf...
May 02, 2023•52 min•Ep. 323
