Episodes

December 22, 2022

Besties 2022 GOTY Extravaganza - Part Two

We continue the ritual of making the ritual slightly different every year, when we bring the final eight down to the final four, and then introduce another contender before we rank the final five. And at last we’ll have the answer to the burning question: what’s the second-best game of 2022?

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December 15, 2022

Besties 2022 GOTY Extravaganza - Part One

IT BEGINS. Well, it ends. Okay, actually, both. This week, we're taking our top 16 games of the year and pitting them against one another in arbitrary combat until only eight remain. Next week, we'll get things sorted down to a nice, tidy ranking of the five best games of the year. Join us! But lik...

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December 13, 2022

The new Need for Speed is a fun surprise [The Resties]

Need for Speed: Unbound deserved a better launch than this. After a decade of middling entries, EA has returned NFS responsibilities to the exceptional racing developer Criterion Games. The team has produced a street racing game that blends Forza Horizon with the thrills of the Midnight Club games....

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December 8, 2022

Smashing the Gooey Guys of Warhammer 40K: Darktide with Ron Funches

This week, we're joined by beloved Besties guest host Ron Funches as we discuss the gory extravaganza called Warhammer 40K: Darktide. Is Left 4 Dead still fun when it's in space and there's religion and cyberskulls and stuff? Let's find out! Also discussed: Elden Ring, OlliOlli World, Astronite, N...

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December 1, 2022

Gone Fishin' with Blade in Marvel's Midnight Suns

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a tactics game from XCOM developer Firaxis, only instead of shooting aliens a hundred times from behind cover, you play cards to beat ass with your best friend, Blade. This is, objectively, a very good idea, but how well does the rest of the game hold up? Also, what's on o...

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November 28, 2022

The Video Game Required Reading List: 2010-2014 [The Resties]

The Resties Required Reading List strikes again! 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 2010-2014. Join us as we revisit the early days of our careers covering video games! Visit @the...

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November 24, 2022

Seeing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Through the Eyes of a Child

It's one of the biggest releases of the year and Justin paid his daughter, Charlie McElroy, to play it for him. Yes, it's Pokémon time once again and we're diving into Scarlet and Violet. We've also got way more to say about Pentiment. Also discussed: Andor, Fargo Season 4, Spy x Family and Warham...

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November 17, 2022

Boldly Going Where No Hedgehog's Gone Before in Sonic Frontiers

Sonic Frontiers, the open-world iteration of Sega's fast rodent simulator, is kind of a mess. But is it the fun kind of mess, like when a can of spray cheese explodes in your car, and it's gross and everywhere, but man it'll be a great story later? Let's talk about it, and also a random assortment ...

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November 14, 2022

One huge indie and one tiny one [The Resties]

We are being bombarded by awesome games. This week, we brought two must-try adventures. The first, Somerville, is the spiritual sequel to indie mega-hits Limbo and Inside. The second is Dave the Diver, a game we hadn't heard about until scuba fishing/sushi serving/business management sim skyrockete...

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November 10, 2022

BOY! Do We Have Thoughts About God of War: Ragnarok

How do you follow up a certified club banger like 2018's God of War? Join us as we discuss Sony Santa Monica's daunting sequel and its unsurprising breakout star. (Spoiler: It's Richard Schiff.) Also discussed: Signalis, Dave the Diver, Marvel Snap, Binding of Isaac

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November 3, 2022

Facing our Inner Demons in Bayonetta 3

Bayonetta is back after a long sabbatical, and now there's like a million of her. Is that too many Bayonettas? Is such a thing possible? Let's find out as we share our thoughts on Bayonetta 3! Also discussed: Signalis, Marvel Snap, Idle Acorns, Binding of Isaac, Banshees of Inisherin

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November 1, 2022

A spoiler-free God of War Ragnarok preview! [The Resties]

The Resties grab their axes, string their bows, and open their hearts to sad dads in this special, spoiler-free preview of the first 4-6 hours of God of War Ragnarok. Does Kratos' latest adventure recreate the magic of the original or take any big risks? Frush also has an update on Mewgenics, the l...

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October 27, 2022

Mario and Rabbids and Marvel and Sonic and Minions

Mario and Rabbids, two distinguished IPs operating on identical levels of critical acclaim, have been squished together once again in the turn-based stratgizer, Sparks of Hope. Join us as we examine their japes, and also get really into a Marvel-based TCG. 2022's just full of surprises. Also disc...

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October 20, 2022

A Desperate Dive Into the Grab Bag

Look, we were gonna do Arkham Knights this week, but realized nobody wanted to hear an hour long dunkfest - join us as we pivot to talking about a bunch of good games, instead! With just a liiiiittle dunking for good measure. Games discussed: Case of the Golden Idol, EverCrawl, Binding of Isaac, I...

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October 17, 2022

No Man's Sky, All Rats' Earth [The Resties]

A Plague Tale: Requiem is an exceptionally beautiful, technologically modern video game built with a blueprint from a different era. The Resties discuss the comfort and frustration of Xbox 360-era video game design, the power of graphics, and what makes a great tutorial. Then they empty out the rem...

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October 13, 2022

Getting Up Close and Persona(l)

With the impending multiplatform launch of Persona 5 Royal and its portable predecessors, we decided to sit down and discuss all the highs and lows of Atlus's super-social RPG franchise. Also, what's the best way to quit playing a game? Let's find out! Also discussed: Binding of Isaac: Repentance,...

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October 6, 2022

Honey, We Shrunk the Us in Grounded

This week, we're playing Obsidian's miniaturized survival sim Grounded, and mostly talking about stripping Rick Moranis of his science license. Also, ROCK AND STONE! By which we mean: We're also talking about Deep Rock Galactic, now that we've all actually played it! Also discussed: Binding of Isa...

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October 3, 2022

The Video Game Required Reading List: 1995-1999 [The Resties]

The Resties Required Reading List returns! 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 1995-1999. Join us as we revisit the moment when video games went mainstream! Visit @thebestiespo...

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September 29, 2022

The Fall 2022 Indie Gaming Pick-A-Mix

We couldn't pick a game to discuss this week, so instead we present to you an installment of Oops! All Indie Games. We've got a bumper crop of backlog material for you to dive into, from slime-based horticulture to interstellar mining simulators. Games discussed: Trombone Champ, Slime Rancher 2, S...

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September 22, 2022

Dreaming the Impossible Dreamlight Valley

We're as surprised as anyone that Dreamlight Valley, Gameloft's Disney-flavored life sim, has enraptured our hearts and our minds. Join us as we force feed Goofy raw fish while hunting the unquiet spirit of Minnie Mouse. Also discussed: Return to Monkey Island, Final Fantasy X, The Elden Ring Man...

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September 19, 2022

Game Pass got a killer Pikmin-like, plus the end of Immortality

We forgot to mention the announcement of Pikmin 4 on last week's Besties, maybe because we've been so content with Tinykin, which blends Nintendo's real-time strategy game with chunks of 3D Mario and a heaping cup of Dreamcast magic. After explaining why this colorful indie is worth a download (esp...

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September 15, 2022

We're Not Squidding Around with Splatoon 3

The great inkening is upon us once again. Join us for a discussion about Nintendo's third installment in their paint-wasting simulator Splatoon! Also, we break down the big announcement's from this week's Nintendo Direct, which is to say, we talk about like a hundred farming games. Also discussed:...

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September 8, 2022

Getting All Gussied Up with The Last of Us Part 1

If you think you just played a version of the original The Last of Us, we're here to tell you that you probably did, but here's a new one with prettier graphics! Well, pretty is maybe not the right word as much as it is far more viscerally depressing now. Also discussed: Bounty of One, Zor: Pilgr...

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September 5, 2022

Revenge of the backlog!!! (Plus, new TMNT) [The Resties]

To make room for the new games of the fall video game season, The Resties are clearing out their backlogs. Frushtick is finishing Dark Souls 2 on the Steam Deck. Plante sees Cult of the Lamb to its end. Plus, both Resties get nostalgic with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection. A...

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September 1, 2022

A Fun Time at the Movies with Immortality

This week, we're discussing the latest Sam Barlow FMV game, Immortality. It's all about the history of cinema and auteur theory and, tragically, Chris Plante isn't here to explain what all of that means. Also, what other FMV performances have stolen our hearts? Also discussed: Dark Souls 2, Dark ...

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August 25, 2022

Returning to a Life of Crime in Saints Row

Crime. Crime never changes. But the perps do, so let's meet the new squad in the Saints Row reboot! Also, what games do we like that you probably despise? Games discussed: Saints Row, Fallout New Vegas, Madden, SimCity, Heavy Rain, Dark Souls 2, Multiversus, Dark Cloud 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultima...

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August 22, 2022

Video game season is here! [The Resties]

The annual video game deluge has begun. This week, we played not one, not two, but three inventive new games. Arcade Paradise asks players to split their time between running a laundromat and launching a local arcade. Rollerdrome mixes Tony Hawk's Pro Skater with Max Payne. And Drainus is to R-Type...

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August 18, 2022

Blessed to Play Cursed to Golf

This week, at least three of us dirty dogs are fulfilling our every fantasy by putting our way through purgatory in Cursed to Golf! Also, we dump out the mailbag again, and dive into it like so many leaves. Also discussed: Minecraft, Journey, Return of the Obra Dinn, Desert Golfing, Her Story, Co...

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August 11, 2022

We Have Cult at Home

Cult of the Lamb came out of nowhere and has enchanted us like so many woodland acolytes. Join us as we discuss the finer points of managing a demonic community, and share some of our fondest Mortal Kombat memories for good measure. Also discussed: Beetlejuice, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Terraria, P...

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August 8, 2022

Happy birthday to Mario Kart! [The Resties]

Super Mario Kart sped onto the SNES in August 1992. Thirty years, eight entries, and a mobile game later, Mario Kart is one of the most successful and beloved active franchises. The Resties celebrate the series by unpacking what makes the game so timeless. We share our favorite tracks and racers, t...

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August 4, 2022

Our Favorite Games to Bring on the Road (Including Xenoblade!)

How do you pack the perfect video game for a long trip? This week, we speak with resident gaming travel expert and Besties co-host Justin McElroy to learn his secrets to success. Will we mention clicker games? Just you wait! Plus, Plante loves Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Twist!

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July 28, 2022

The Multiverse is Real and It Has Shaggy

This week we're diving into a wide swath of new game releases, at least one of which kinda came out of nowhere and ended up being super good! Heck, they're all good, but just very different. On the bill: Forza Horizon 5's new Hot Wheels DLC, EX-Zodiac, and Multiversus. We also discuss Drop 7, Dr. ...

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July 25, 2022

Stray is the G.O.A.T. of cat games [The Resties]

For over a year, Stray has been one of the most anticipated games on Steam. Does it live up to the hype? For the most part, yes! We explain why you should give this virtual cat some cuddles. Then Frushtick and Plante share their three favorite games that let you play as animals. Prepare for obscur...

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July 21, 2022

Tackling the Backlog with Tina Sanchez

With Justin and Griffin on tour, we've brought in Tina Sanchez (@teanah), who has worked on some of the biggest franchises in the games industry (and even hosted a podcast with Chris Plante ages ago!). She's here to teach us the magical world of video game producing and how the sauce all comes toge...

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July 14, 2022

Breaking Down the First Half of 2022

We know that you, a diehard Besties listener, have heard us talk about all the great games that came out so far this year. But if you enjoyed all that jazz, you're gonna LOVE hearing us stack those games up against each other in our mid-year checkpoint special! Games discussed: Super Auto Pets, Wo...

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July 11, 2022

The Video Game Required Reading List: 1985-1989 [The Resties]

The Resties Required Reading List returns! Our goal is to curate and contextualize a "must play" list of 25 games released between 1980 to 2020. This week, we've selected games from 1985-1989. Join us as we time travel to the premieres of mega-franchises like Mario, Zelda, Metroid, and Tetris. Let...

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July 7, 2022

Chowing Down on Cuphead's Delicious Last Course

We hope you're hungry, because this week brings us Cuphead's shiny new DLC, The Delicious Last Course. Also, we bought egg sandwiches for everyone, and man, we just bought waaaay too many. Take as many as you want. Bring some home to your family. Other games discussed: Neon White, Hero Emblems 2, ...

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June 30, 2022

Partying at the World's Worst Summer Camp in The Quarry

This week, we're playing Supermassive's latest interactive horror movie-game-thing, which we played in a bunch of different ways, some less recommended than others. Also, we discuss the genre's origins in FMV at length, because ... of course we do. Other games discussed: Until Dawn, Heavy Rain, T...

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June 27, 2022

Everyone should try Neon White [The Resties]

Neon White is a speedrunning game for people who've never tried speedrunning, a Dreamcast-like game for folks who never owned a Dreamcast, and a visual novel for gamers who rather play than read. It's a ball of contradictions and easily one of the best games of 2022. Frushtick and Plante also finis...

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June 23, 2022

It Is, Once Again, Pizza Time with Shredder's Revenge

We're serving up game criticism on a half shell and trashing like a million Foot Clan conscripts as we discuss TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, Tribute's modern take on Konami's classic beat-em-up series. Also: Mailbag's full! Let's dump it on out. Also discussed: Fall Guys, Fortnite, Yakuza 0, Rogue Leg...

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June 16, 2022

Kicking it Super Hard with Mario Strikers: Battle League

You know Mario, from Mario? He's so much more than a jumping plumber, you know. He's doing soccer now, too. I mean, he's been doing soccer, and a lot of other stuff, and we're going to be talking about ALL that while we share some thoughts about Mario Strikers: Battle League. Games discussed: No ...

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June 14, 2022

The surprise big game of the season [The Resties]

Frush and Plante discover Sniper Elite 5 is great... if you turn off the grotesque violence. The Sniper Elite series has been active for over a decade, but its mix of gunfights and Hitman stealth never clicked with the crew until now. What changed? Plus, the games that got us through our Covid infe...

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June 9, 2022

Whale Watching in Diablo Immortal

Join us as we bust out our phones and apply for a high interest personal loan with Diablo Immortal! How does Blizzard's hack and slash RPG hold up on phones, and how close has it brought us to abject financial ruin? Find out within. Games discussed: Diablo Immortal, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Street...

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June 2, 2022

The Ghost of E3s Past (And Present, And Also Future)

Sure, E3 isn't "officially" happening this year, but there's still a lot of hot, hot gaming news dropping over the next couple of weeks! Join us as we discuss the evolution (and de-evolution) of the industry's (former) big summer event, and what we can expect from The Triple in years to come.

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May 30, 2022

The Video Game Required Reading List: 2005-2009 [The Resties]

This week, we launch a new mini-series: The Resties Required Reading List. Our goal is to curate and contextualize a "must play" list of 25 games released between 1980 to 2020. These aren’t the best games or even our favorite games. They’re the games that should be experienced by everyone who want...

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May 26, 2022

Acting Like a Bunch of Draculas in V Rising

This week, we're chatting about an up-and-comer on the Steam charts — the vampire survival sim V Rising. Find out why we're so smitten; with special guest Travis McElroy! Games discussed: V Rising, Everquest TLP, Who Pressed Mute on Uncle Marcus, Vampire Survivors, Stardew Valley

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May 19, 2022

The Sleeper Hits of Spring 2022

This week, we're circling back with some of the lil' guys you might have missed this Spring while you were traipsing in the bluebonnets, or collecting berries or whatever. Games discussed: Shotgun King, Vampire Survivors, Haiku the Robot, Mini Motorways on Switch, OlliOlli World, Dungeons of Drea...

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May 16, 2022

Lego Star Wars is like a Rockstar game for kids [The Resties]

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga reminds us of Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, in that it feels unsustainably grand. Its creators have crammed nine films worth of characters, planets, and stories, plus winks at corners of the expanded universe, into one game. A report on crunch at the s...

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May 12, 2022

The Definitive Power Ranking of Star Wars Games

In today's episode, we're exploring the absolutely pristine history of Star Wars video games, and assigning each of them a grade in an EXTREMELY scientific and deliberate manner. It's a journey, y'all. Also discussed: Nobody Saves the World on Switch, Death's Gambit: Ashes of Vados, Fortnite, Rog...

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May 5, 2022

Showcasing Our Athleticism with Nintendo Switch Sports

This week, we're tapping into the Old Ways of E-Bowling and Cyber-Tennis in Nintendo Switch Sports! It's like falling off a log, only the log is a sword, and we're using it to battle our children. Also discussed: Halo Infinite Season 2, Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe, Knotwords

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May 3, 2022

Rogue Legacy 2 benefited a ton from early access [The Resties]

This week, The Resties revisit Rogue Legacy 2 after nearly two years in Early Access. The developer made great use of that time, delivering a worthy sequel to the original hit. In the second half, it's time to set goals for our summer gaming backlog. Discussed: Persona 4, Patrick’s Parabox, Perfect...

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April 28, 2022

How to Keep a Child Entertained (and Other Impossibilities)

Today on the show we're answering a long-requested question: What sorts of games do you play with kids? The Besties weigh in on some of their chosen diversions. Games discussed include: Monster Legends, ABCYa/ABCMouse/PBSkids, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Super Mario Odyssey, Kirby and the Forgotten Wor...

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April 21, 2022

The Video Game Movie Canon with Kahlief Adams

With the McElboys on tour, Plante and Frushtick bring in a special guest, Kahlief Adams of the Spawn on Me podcast, to talk about just what makes a great video game movie, and whether we could narrow down five that best represent the medium. Also, what's up with those Goombas?

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April 18, 2022

Do you have to finish a game to love it? [The Resties]

Do you have to finish a game to fully appreciate it? This week, The Resties discuss the huge time investment of our favorite hobby, and decide how much of a game is enough. In the back half, Plante and Frushtick use a fancy new mod for the original Doom to discuss ray tracing. Learn why the "big th...

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April 14, 2022

Spoiling the Heck Out of Elden Ring

Look, we told you we'd be talking about Elden Ring for a very long time, and here we are, doing just that. We're going to be talking about the game's first half, and then, after a brief interlude, the second half! And then we're gonna talk about it less in the future, probably! Other media discuss...

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April 7, 2022

The Magical Butts of Tiny Tina's Wonderlands

We're ditching the gruesome violence of the Borderlands franchise in exchange for the whimsical violence of Tiny Tina's Wonderlands; an exchange that then inspires us to reinvent Doom for an all-ages audience. Also discussed: The Afterparty, Dragon Quest V, Bloons TD 6+, All in the Timing

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April 4, 2022

The best (and worst) video game controller [The Resties]

Is the Gamecube controller brilliant or busted? The Resties rank the past 35 years of video game controllers in this fever dream of an episode. Then, the duo talks about NORCO, a new point-and-click adventure game set in a distant future Louisiana. Also, Speed Racer!

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March 31, 2022

Kirby and the Forgotten Stomach

This week we're diving into the latest installment of the long-running Kirby franchise, Kirby and the Forgotten Land. We'll also discuss Sony's attempt to take on the juggernaut that is Game Pass with its new PlayStation Plus service. Other games discussed: 13 Sentinels, Tunic.

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March 24, 2022

Embracing the Chaos of Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origins

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origins is by no means a Great Game, but we'll be gosh-danged if it hasn't charmed the Lv. 6 Shadow Pants off of us. Also, Justin breaks down the phantasmal weirdness of Ghostwire Tokyo! Also discussed: Tunic, Elden Ring, Drive My Car, Fortnite

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March 21, 2022

Tunic is retro Zelda with a splash of Fez [The Resties]

This week, The Resties share their growing love of Tunic, an adventure game heavily inspired by the early entries of The Legend of Zelda. Without getting into spoilers, they also explain the game's similarities to indie hit Fez. In the second half, Frushtick and Plante run through Nintendo's mega-b...

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March 17, 2022

Playing the Silver Ball with Jeff Bakalar

Russ is left on his own and so he brought his old pal, Jeff Bakalar of Giant Bomb, to talk about another sort of game: PINBALL. Yes, Jeff knows a lot about pinball and is grilled for all his precious pinball knowledge. Jeff's top 5 tables to look out for at an ardcade: Funhouse, Addam's Family, Jur...

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March 10, 2022

The Best Games of Early 2022

As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2022, we take a look back at some of the classics that the first three months have brought us. Maybe spread the love throughout the year next time? Games discussed: Nobody Saves the World, Pokemon Legends Arceus, Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection...

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March 7, 2022

How to play Elden Ring: a kind guide for beginners [The Resties]

Elden Ring is amazing, but it's also intimidating. Since we'll be talking about the game on The Besties throughout 2022, we wanted to help newcomers and lapsed Dark Souls fans take their first steps into this beautiful, but sometimes unforgiving world. Join us as we discuss the best starting class,...

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March 3, 2022

We'll Be Talking About Elden Ring for a Long Time

Consider the title of this episode a warning: Elden Ring is a game that we're gonna be discussing A LOT for the foreseeable future, starting in this very episode. Join us as we discuss what works about From Software's new open-world Souls-like, which is to say, everything. Other games discussed: ...

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February 24, 2022

Fun with Robosaurs in Horizon: Forbidden West

It's feast or famine out there, games-wise, and this week's a FEAST: We're talking about Sony's newest first-party blockbuster, Horizon: Forbidden West. Also, Destiny 2's new expansion is out! And it's pretty good! Other games discussed: Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Magic the Gathering Arena, Hollo...

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February 21, 2022

The 5 best "bang for your buck" games + Vampire Survivors [The Resties]

A great video game doesn't have to be expensive. Inspired by the $2.99 phenomenon Vampire Survivors, The Resties choose their five favorite "bang for your buck" video games. Then, Frushtick brings a surprise B-topic that has Plante reconsidering his obsessions! Discussed on this week's episode: Vam...

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February 17, 2022

Besties 10th Anniversary Game of the Decade Spectacular

To celebrate our tenth year of intractable debate over which video games are better than the other video games, we're doing EXACTLY THAT. For over an hour. We're pitting the best games of the last decade against one another, and only ONE survives. (One game, we mean. All the hosts are doing just fi...

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February 10, 2022

Raging Against the Dying Light 2

This week we're discussing Dying Light 2, a game that poses a novel question: What if dead people turned into monsters and you had to hit them with pipes and stuff? Also, we calculate the precise amount of time games are allowed to not be fun before they get fun. Also discussed: OlliOlli World, F...

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February 7, 2022

The definitive list of perfect portable games [The Resties]

Here's an episode for everyone, whether you fell in love with video games on the Game Boy or the Nintendo Switch. In honor of the Steamdeck launch this month, The Resties construct the *perfect* list of the best portable games of all time. To accomplish this worthy task, they first uncover the key ...

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February 3, 2022

We Gotta Go Back in Time with Pokemon Legends Arceus

Wondering what's next for the Pokemon franchise? Just how many games could they put out that are basically the same thing? Well, we finally have something pretty dramatically different! The gang dives into Pokemon Legends: Arceus and whether this is finally the game to recommend to newcomers to the...

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January 27, 2022

The (Other) Best Games of the Last 10 Years

As we build towards our 10 year anniversary in February, we decided to look back at some of the winners of The Besties Game of the Year throughout the decade. Were we right? Were we wrong? Let's find out! Each year we'll take a look at the original winner and decide what we'd put up as an alternate...

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January 25, 2022

The Worst Games of Our Childhood [The Resties]

To follow up on the best games of our childhood, The Resties discuss the worst ones. The funny thing about "bad" games when your kid is that they're often just as formative and memorable as the beloved ones. Join us as we wax poetic on the Sega Activator, bad licensed games, and the infamous SNES S...

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January 20, 2022

Everybody Loves Nobody Saves the World

Things come full circle as we once again dip into the Drinkbox catalogue with their newest Action RPG title, Nobody Saves the World! Also, we discuss the enormous and dumb implications of Microsoft buying Activision Blizzard. Also discussed: A bunch of old Activision titles that will definitely n...

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January 13, 2022

Fortnite Got Buckwild When We Weren't Looking

We like to think of ourselves as four cool dads who have their finger on the pulse of what's hip with young gamers. That's why, in the year of our lord 2022, we're spending a whole episode discussing Fortnite, a game that has gone COMPLETELY off the rails in the past few years. Other media dis...

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January 11, 2022

2022's Big Video Game Predictions [The Resties]

This week's episode is inspired by our friends on the Triple Click podcast. Frushtick and Plante make twelve bold predictions for the world of video games in 2022. Will the Mario movie be a hit? Will Tom Cruise be the next star of Fortnite? Will Metroid Prime 4 keep the Metroid hype alive? Learn t...

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January 6, 2022

2022's Most Anticipated Games

We're jumping into the next 12 months with gusto. These are the games we'll be watching, including some games that were on our 2021 list but didn't actually come out. Games discussed: Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Rune Factory 5, Triangle Strategy, Elden Ring, Starfield, Skin Deep, Sonic Frontiers,...

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December 23, 2021

The Besties Game of the Year Spectacular - Part Two

THE RITUAL IS COMPLETE. Once again, we've weighed the merits of EVERY VIDEO GAME released in 2021, and named one of them the ultimate victor. May the Gaming Gods bless us with an even richer crop in the coming year, and also happy holidays, or whatever.

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December 16, 2021

The Besties Game of the Year Spectacular - Part One

It's the day of the show, y'all! We've got a sweet sixteen games from this year up for the GOTY consideration, and by the end of the episode, we'll have whittled them down to an exquisite eight. Join us for a extra-long episode as we begin arbitrarily smashing these pieces of software together unti...

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December 14, 2021

Shadow of the Colossus + Jet Set Radio = Solar Ash [The Resties]

Ahead of The Besties selecting the Best Game of the Year, Frush and Plante predicted the winners of The Game Awards. Who made the best predictions? You'll have to listen to find out. But first, the duo discusses Solar Ash, a delightful open-world game that blends Jet Set Radio and Shadow of the Col...

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December 9, 2021

The Grappling Hook Brings You Back to Halo Infinite

How much can a single device — one that's been present in video games as long as there's been video games — renovate the Halo formula? As it turns out: A whole bunch. Join us as we discuss Halo Infinite's campaign and multiplayer modes, and talk at length about where Chief's poop goes. Games discu...

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December 2, 2021

Our Fall Favorites Leading into GOTY Season

As we near the thrilling climax of 2021, we're taking a seasonal approach to see what games stood out over the last three (or so) months. Joining us this week is Kirk Hamilton (of the Triple Click and Strong Songs podcasts) to dive into this giant leaf pile that is the fall release calendar. Game...

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November 30, 2021

We overlooked Unsighted, a brilliant Zelda-style indie [Resties]

Unsighted appeared on consoles and PC earlier this year, but we missed it. What a mistake! Frushtick and Plante talk about this brilliant indie game that blends Zelda and Metroidvanias into something new and thrilling. In the back half of the episode, the Resties discuss their favorite new addition...

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November 26, 2021

Staying Faithful to Pokemon Shining Pearl and Brilliant Diamond

In which we discuss, with equal levels of enthusiasm, the latest remake from the world of Pokémon, and also the franchise as a whole. Then we take a deep dive into the mailbag, and share a blue million honorable mentions! Other games discussed include: Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Unite, Pokémon Let's G...

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November 18, 2021

Gotta Exorcise 'Em All with Shin Megami Tensei V

Today, we're cracking into the oftentimes impenetrable Shin Megami Tensei series' fifth major installment, and share some thoughts on the masterful GTA Trilogy remasters, which are terrible. Other media discussed: Halo Infinite Multiplayer, Resident Evil 4 VR, Cape Fear 1962 and Moonlighter.

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November 16, 2021

Forza Horizon 5 is GotY material [Resties]

On this episode of Resties, Plante and Frushtick dance in the pouring rain of Video Game Season 2021. Forza Horizon 5 and Riders Republic are both a delight, so the Resties compare and contrast the two open-world racing adventures to help you find the right fit. In the second half of the episode, t...

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November 11, 2021

The Obligatory Annual Call of Duty Episode

This week, we're breaking down two great tastes that taste great together: The many faces of Call of Duty: Vanguard, and the newly expanded Animal Crossing: New Horizons. We also give a metric ton of iOS recommendations, and argue about the Mario Bros' Mushroom Kingdom citizenship. Other games di...

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November 4, 2021

The Card-ians of the Galaxy

In our worst-titled episode to date, we're doing double duty! Join us for a discussion of the extra-creepy deckbuilder Inscryption and the surprisingly charming Guardians of the Galaxy. Other media discussed: Hearthstone, Telltale's Guardians of the Galaxy, Death's Gambit Afterlife, lots of Godzi...

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November 2, 2021

The 10 best games on Nintendo Switch Online [Resties]

On this episode of Resties, Plante and Frushtick countdown their top 10 games on Nintendo Switch Online. Of course, Chris has chosen a ridiculous #1. In the back half of the episode, they talk about the Outer Wilds DLC, Echoes of the Eye. Spoilers are limited to the first couple hours of the game a...

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October 28, 2021

3 Besties Are Here 2 Discuss Back 4 Blood

We're without Chris Plante this week, but we're not without a surplus of zombie-based video games to discuss, because, wow, there's a LOT of them coming out right now. Games discussed include: Back 4 Blood, Resident Evil 4 VR, ElecHead, Inscryption, Metroid Dread, Dying Light on Switch, Final ...

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October 21, 2021

Accessible Gaming with Steven Spohn

This week, we're joined by AbleGamers' chief development officer to talk about the complexity and importance of including accessibility features in games, and also, pizza. Really, lots and lots of pizza talk. We also discuss Far Cry 6 for a few minutes! Other games discussed: Metroid Dread, Final ...

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October 19, 2021

Take a Skeleton Road Trip with Spookware [Resties]

On this episode of The Resties, Plante and Frushtick hit the road with a trio of skeletons in Spookware. Finally the dream of a horror-themed WarioWare is realized! Other things discussed: Tales of Arise, Tres-Bashers, Dracula on the Criterion Collection, and Cowboy Bebop. If you're looking for our...

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October 14, 2021

Metroid Dread is Here to Save Us All

It only took 19 years for a true 2D sequel to Metroid Fusion, and now that it's here, we're basking in the glow of what may be the best Metroid game ever made. We know Russ is on board, but how do some of the other Besties handle the greatness that has been placed before them? We also discuss the t...

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October 7, 2021

The Golden Age of Sega is Upon Us

This week, we're sorta discussing Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania, but to be honest, it's more of a table setter for Chris' thesis that it's never been a better time to be a Sega fan. Which is, to put it lightly, a divisive position to take. Other games discussed include: Sonic Mania and Sonic Co...

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October 4, 2021

Alan Wake vs. the best JRPG of the year [Resties]

In this, the first official episode of The Besties Resties: Alan Wake Remastered, Tales of Arise, and The Artful Escape are great games. And yet you may have missed them because there are so many new releases hitting all at once. Don't worry, we'll catch you up on the fall's OTHER great games. New ...

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September 30, 2021

The Hidden Gems of the Past 200-ish Episodes!

We're celebrating our 200th episode, or at least the episode we assume is somewhere around our 200th, by talking about hidden gems of this year and the past decade, which is how long we've been doing this show, which is ... man. We need to go lie down for a while. Games discussed include: TOEM, E...

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September 23, 2021

Doing the Time Warp Yet Again with Deathloop

This week, we're discussing Arkane's time-traveling Groundhog Day-meets-creative murder sandbox Deathloop! And boy howdy, is there a lot to discuss. We also break down the glut of time looping games that have come out this year, which we've definitely done before, but, hey, it feels appropriate, ri...

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September 17, 2021

WarioWare-ing with Ron Funches

Honorary Besties Ron Funches joins us once again to discuss the latest opus from Mario's pungent counterpart, WarioWare: Get It Together. Other games discussed include: Splitgate, Final Fantasy V, The Forgotten City, Deathloop (briefly!) and a whole mess of other WarioWare games!

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September 9, 2021

A Very Merry Holiday Season Preview Plus Time-looping Romans

This week we're giving you all a preview of what to expect this holiday season, from the Halos to the Metroids and everything in between. We also discuss The Forgotten City, a wild time-looping narrative game that's guarenteed to get you a minor in philosophy. Other games discussed: Dishonored: D...

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September 2, 2021

No More Heroes and the Power of Egg Steam

No More Heroes 3 explores the question of whether toilet jokes can get old. We also dive into the challenging topic of auteur games, and whether a single person's creative vision can make magic or mayhem in the world of video games. Also discussed: Out of this World, Cibele, How Do You Do It?, Dy...

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August 26, 2021

Speaking sequels with Axiom Verge 2 and Psychonauts 2

This week, we’re breaking down two sequels that couldn’t be more different from each other: The unique metroidvania romp known as Axiom Verge 2, and the throwback action-platformer Psychonauts 2. Other games discussed include Spelunky 1 and 2 on Switch, The Vale and Twelve Minutes.

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August 19, 2021

Living the Dorm Life with Multiplayer Classics

We’re back, and we’re talking about the multiplayer games that defined our college dorm experience, despite the fact that half of us never lived in a college dorm, and also some of the games we discuss came out like, last year. Games discussed include: Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania, Secret of...

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August 12, 2021

Why Zelda: Breath of the Wild could still be GotY in 2021

Griffin and Justin are off galavanting for a week, leaving the rest of the podcast, Plante and Frushtick, to carry on The Besties name. In honor of that, we're doing a deeper dive into one of the greatest games ever discussed on the podcast: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. What were some o...

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August 5, 2021

Prosecuting Kirby's Crimes with The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

This week on The Besties, we're OBJECTION! talking about the latest entry in the Ace Attorney series, and also OBJECTION! deciding if Kirby is a murderer. Other games discussed on the show include: Ender Lillies, SNKRX, Final Fantasy XIV, and Out of the Loop.

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July 29, 2021

Having a Playdate with Death's Door

This week on The Besties we've got a stellar indie action adventure, Death's Door, from the creators of Titan Souls. We're also diving into the unique handheld with a crank, the Playdate. It's yellow! Other games discussed on the show include: Zelda: Skyward Sword, NEO The World Ends with You, Tang...

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July 22, 2021

Can Zelda: Skyward Sword be Saved?

This week on The Besties, we're jumping into the HD remake of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Yes, it's a game that didn't make it very far in our Best Zelda bracket, but maybe some upgrades (and no mandatory motion controls) will pull it up by its own boostraps? There's also the Switch Pr- errr Steam Deck t...

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July 15, 2021

The Amazing Indie Games of the Summer

Looking for something new to play this summer? Might we interest you in some incredible indie games? This week, we spotlight Chicory, Overboard, Phantom Abyss, Demeo, and more! Plus, we have a very special guest in the second half!

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July 8, 2021

Scarlet Nexus is 2021's Overlooked Gem

You might not have heard about Scarlet Nexus, the anime-forward action-roleplaying game released this month. Let's change that. The world's best friends discuss one of the best games of the summer. Then they make time to brainstorm an ideal Nintendo Switch 2 and answer your questions, like, "What i...

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July 1, 2021

Mario Golf Raises the Question: What About Golf-Hims?

Mario Golf: Super Rush divides the world's best friends. Yes, the game Plante has hyped for weeks isn't a unanimous hit, but the crew still discusses at length what they love about Nintendo's oddball entry into the plumber's sports series. Justin, Griffin, and Plante also speculate on where Mario s...

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June 24, 2021

The Best Games of 2021's First Half

What are the best games of 2021 at the year's midpoint? With Frushtick away, we agreed to create an unofficial Top 8. We revisited some of our favorite games from previous episodes and also turned to y'all for recommendations. You didn't disappoint, providing tons of cool indie surprises. From Resi...

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June 17, 2021

Ratchet Versus the E Triple

In a grand confluence, we've got a major event in the gaming year, E3, matched with a legit game release, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart on PS5 (codes provided by Sony). Somehow we'll talk about the highs and lows of both of these major events in one absolutely stuffed episode. Get in here, people!

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June 10, 2021

Still Deciding the Best Resident Evil Game

Last week we narrowed down the the best Resident Evil games to the final four, and now we're having them duke it out. We've got some truly classic zombie gems going at it this week, and you won't guess what we decide! (Well, you might guess it. In the grand scheme of things there aren't that many o...

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June 3, 2021

The Best Resident Evil Game DECIDED! (Almost)

With the fervor over Resident Evil Village, the gang gathers to figure out whether they can narrow down the very best Resident Evil game of all time. Sure, there's a lot of crud to sift through, but there's gold in these hills! And they're gonna buy shotgun upgrades with this gold!

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May 27, 2021

You, Mii, and Chris P

Now that we've entered the peak video game release season, it's time to dive into ... a Switch re-release of a 3DS exclusive featuring Hank Hill. Griffin, Russ, and Chris take a trip back in time to the early 2010s for some 3DS reminicence while discussing Miitopia on Nintendo Switch.

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May 20, 2021

All The Games We Loved This Spring

With Frushtick on vacation, the gang shares some of their favorite games from the past couple months, including Subnautic: Below Zero, Nier Replicant, the Masst Effect remaster, and Clap Hanz Golf. If you've finished Resident Evil 8: Village and need something to play next, this episode is for you....

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May 13, 2021

Resident Evil 8-age and the Briefcase of Fun

The gang's all together to celebrate yet another actual video game release! Today we're diving into Resident Evil Village, with the first-half dedicated to first impressions and the second half diving into the first half of the game. We know, it's confusing. But at least the property values are low...

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May 6, 2021

New Pokémon Snap and Returnal, a Mash-up for the Ages

This week we welcome back the long-wandering Griffin McElroy. And what a week it is! On the docket: two actual, major game releases, New Pokémon Snap and Returnal. They may be about as different as you could imagine, but they do both require you to play the same levels over and over again, so maybe...

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April 22, 2021

Still Picking the Best GTA Game Ever

We've narrowed it down to the final four, and now special guest Evan Narcisse (@EvNarc) has joined the club to decide the best GTA game of all time, between Vice City, San Andreas, GTA 4, and GTA 5. Four may enter but only one will leave.

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April 15, 2021

Picking the Best GTA Game Ever

You find yourself in a city. Your only option? Crime! This week we have special guest Jordan Morris (@Jordan_Morris) filling in for Griffin as we attempt to tackle a tough question: What is the greatest Grand Theft Auto game of all time? And yes, the randomized bracket has returned with a vengeance...

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April 8, 2021

The Dawn of CyberWar is Upon Us (Also Outriders)

This week we're diving into Outriders, a game that sounds about as generic as is possible within the confines of the English language. And yet, we all think it's pretty damn fun! We also attempt to one-up its generic efforts with a new title of our own.

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April 1, 2021

Monster Hunter Rise and Shine

Just when you thought it was safe to buy property in Kamura Village, all these monsters show up and wreck the joint! Justin and Russ team up after a last-minute bug fells Chris Plante (and Griffin deals with a new human child situation). Is this finally the Monster Hunter game to not make you hate ...

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March 25, 2021

Just the Two of Us . . .

Who better to tackle a mandatory co-op game about divorce than the duo of Plante and Frushtick? The pair take on It Takes Two, the new release from the creators of A Way Out. And with Griffin out in preparation for a forthcoming child and Justin out because divorce makes him sad, it's a complete ta...

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March 18, 2021

Loops and Loots with Loop Hero

Just one more loop? The boys jump into the indie darling that's got the nation abuzz: Loop Hero. They also dive into some more review songs and explore whether Griffin and his computer are best friends.

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March 11, 2021

Still Deciding The Best Zelda Game of All Time

It's all down to this! We've narrowed down the greatest Zelda games of all time to a perfect 8, and now we've got to bring it all the way to number one. Sorry Link's Target Practice fans, this one is just for the big 'uns.

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March 4, 2021

Deciding The Best Zelda Game of All Time

We thought we'd take some time to dive into a very scientific study: What is the best Zelda game of all time? To determine this, we've started with all 16 main games and, well, stuck them in a randomized bracket for true chaos. We've got some spicy match-ups coming your way, so buckle up!

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February 25, 2021

Mario 3D World and the Infinite Sadness (of Bowser)

After a week of total chaos, most of the boys from your favorite video game club are back, joined by special guest Elyse Willems of Rooster Teeth & Fun Haus fame. At issue this week: Super Mario 3D World and prescisely the right way to say the name Mario (which is still up for debate!).

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February 11, 2021

The Nightmare Before March

The gents hop into the scary and tiny world of Little Nightmares 2. They also explore the existential and impossible to answer questions of: Is Luigi's Mansion 3 a horror game, and can kites be scary?

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February 4, 2021

Waking Up Early with the Boys

This week on The Besties, the gang is diving into some incredible Early Access games, including Teardown, Ender Lilies, Subnautica: Below Zero and Everspace 2. They also introduce a brand new listener appreciation segment that truly stretches the definition of music.

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January 28, 2021

Hitman 3 and the Great Muffin Assasination

You find yourself in an assassination gone wrong. All you have? A muffin. The boys journey into the World of Assassination with Hitman 3 this week, discovering whether they have what it takes to fill the mighty soles of Agent 47. Join them, won't you?

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January 21, 2021

The Deepest Cuts of Winter

January may not be known for a rollicking time for major new releases, but that's cool, we'll find a way to keep you busy! Today we dive into a bunch of games that you may have missed while you were busy trying to get Cyberpunk to not crash. A full rundown of all the games listed: Noita, MO:Astra...

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January 14, 2021

Cyberpunking with Ron Funches

We're a bit late to the Cyberpunk 2077 party, but better late than never! Chris Plante will be back soon, but the world-renowned @RonFunches has stepped in to fill his shoes this week. Is Cyberpunk truly that heinous, or is it all a ruse? And can we possibly find a way to make hacking minigames fun...

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January 8, 2021

2021's Most Anticipated Games

The Besties gang are back for a brand new year, thanks for sticking with us! In today's episode, we'll each bring 3 games (ahem, Justin) that we're pumped about in the new year. We're talking Breath of the Wild 2, Resident Evil 8age, God of War Ragnanok, Hollow Knight Silksong, and much, much more....

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December 18, 2020

2020 Game of the Year Part 2

We’ve gone from 16 and we’re down to 8 of the best games of 2020. Now we’re going to cull down these sweet, adorable baby calves until there’s just one golden cow remaining for the year. The final eight are: Animal Crossing: NH, Paradise Killer, Among Us, Ori 2, Spelunky 2, Monster Train, Kentucky ...

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December 11, 2020

2020 Game of the Year Part 1

It’s all been building to this! The boys come together with 16 games duking it out for the best games of 2020 (including 4 listener selections!). Who will live? Who will die? Who will cry? There’s only one way to find out! For the full bracket, check out TheBestiesPod on Twitter.

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November 26, 2020

Whose Souls? Demon's Souls

The boys brave the fetid swamps and fiery dragons of the prettiest dang PS5 game around, Demon's Souls. Will they survive the Valley of Defilement? Will they find a lovely two bedroom in the Tower of Latria? Only one way to find out!

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November 19, 2020

PlayStation 5 Launch Extravaganza

The new console launches continue with the debut of the PlayStation 5! The Besties break down all the upgraded design features including the incredible DualSense controller.

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November 12, 2020

Xbox Series X Launch Spectacular ... Also Vikings!

Just days after the official launch of the Xbox Series X, the gang offers a comprehensive evaluation including how this generational leap compared to the last and upcoming exclusives. Then they enter the Animus and are transported back to the age of Vikings with their review of the new Assassin's C...

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November 5, 2020

Those Adorable Watch Dogs

The Besties rode on a drone and hacked their way into the mainframe for this week’s new game: Watch Dogs: Legion! They discuss the impressive open world design of the futuristic post-Brexit London. Critique the play as any character feature. And question if a game release has ever been less fit for...

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October 29, 2020

We Have a PS5, It's Big

Huge news! Russ previews the new sizable PS5 including demonstrating its eject. Then the gang reviews the visual novel real-time strategy game 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim.

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October 22, 2020

Games That Make Us Go AHHH!

It's October so it must be time to give you the straight up willies. The Besties dive into Twitch phenomenon Phasmophobia, and Justin burns matches in Amnesia: Rebirth. We also explore some of our favorite scary games from throughout history. Join us ... unless you're scared? To be honest, we kinda...

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October 15, 2020

Open the Baldur's Gates! We Have an Xbox Series X!

The Besties have gathered at the digital tabletop to review Larian Studios’ recent launch in early access to Baldur's Gate 3! Plus, Chris gives an in-depth report on the Xbox Series X!

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October 8, 2020

Won't Someone Think of Alderaan?

This week's topic of discussion is the new Star Wars: Squadrons! Together the Besties unpack the lineage of Star Wars flight games. Offer positive reviews for the multiplayer mode. And explore how the game expands into the franchise’s extended universe like never before. Plus, offer up some recent ...

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October 1, 2020

Hey Hades, Get Funky!

Join the Besties in their quest of the underworld with 2020’s Hades. They explore the incredibly designed and nuanced gameplay. Discuss the mythological themes. And cannot ignore the fact that all of the characters are very hot. Plus, special guest New York Giraffe discusses their goal to become th...

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September 24, 2020

Begun These Pre-Order Wars Have (also Spelunky 2 is good)

The gang reviews the sequel to the 2008 original, Spelunky 2. Discuss the recent pre-order madness. Explore Microsoft’s acquisition of game publisher Bethesda Softworks for $7.5 billion. And check in on the state of the console wars.

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September 17, 2020

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 with Miles Luna

The iconic skateboarding game is back and newly remastered, my dudes! Animation writer and director, Miles Luna, joins The Besties this week to discuss Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2! They explore the influence of the original 1999 release, play Tony Hawk's Pro Skater trivia, and review the improveme...

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September 11, 2020

Can Any of Us Beat Up an Avenger?

This week the boys offer an in-depth review of the new Marvel's Avengers! They examine the original storyline with Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel at the center of the story. Discuss the similarities of the multiplayer gameplay with the Destiny series. And breakdown the upcoming releases of the Xbox Ser...

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September 3, 2020

What Have You Done To Us, Dear Listeners

The Besties let the listeners decide what games to discuss this week. So hope you're all happy! First, Griffin offers a lackluster review of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered. Then the gang tackles Madden NFL 21, the recent release from the long-running franchise. And finally, they examin...

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August 27, 2020

Thank You for Flying Besties Airlines, Enjoy Your Tomato

Join the gang in the virtual cockpit as they fly through the new Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020! Together, they examine the pros and cons of the ultra realistic gameplay and discuss exploring the Earth with the live streaming map technology. Plus, Griffin, Justin and Chris show off their newly lea...

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August 20, 2020

The Boys Enter Early Access

Join the Besties’ quest through Rogue Legacy 2, which is now available in early access on Steam. Plus, they offer other titles to check out like Heroes of Hammerwatch. And read fan mail which includes an in-depth look into what Russ has done with all his muscle money.

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August 13, 2020

A Letter to the Fall Guys Guys

In this episode of The Besties, the boys review the hit online multiplayer battle royale Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout. Plus, pitch their own Fall Guys mini games based on other existing games shows. And answer listener-submitted questions including what other genres, specific games or franchises wo...

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August 6, 2020

The Best Ideas in Bad Games

Sometimes the worst games do have some redeeming qualities. This week, the gang looks at the best game mechanics, unique story ideas, console technology integration featured in sub-par releases over the years.

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July 30, 2020

The Best Summer Games You're Not Playing

The Besties recommend some of their favorite games that have come out this summer, including Carrion, The Under Presents, Zach Gage’s Good Sudoku, the updated Noita, and more! Plus, they discuss what upcoming releases they are excited for in the rest of 2020.

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July 23, 2020

Rolling Paper Mario

This week The Besties take a critical look at Paper Mario: The Origami King, the sixth installment of the Mario Paper series, and explore which power-up items in the Mario franchise they genuinely would want to eat. Plus, they read fan letters and answer who is the better Doctor: Mario or Waluigi? ...

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July 17, 2020

The Ghost with the Most of Tsushima

The gang reviews Ghost of Tsushima, the recently released open world action-adventure game set in 13th century feudal Japan. Topics include the Samurai code of honor, the sometimes glacial story pacing, the design of the "Kurosawa mode" and the lackluster mini games. Early copies of Ghost of Tsushi...

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July 7, 2020

PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: We Pick a Winner!

In honor of National Video Game Day, The Besties decide the best new console of 2020: the PlayStation 5 vs. Xbox Series X! Using a highly advanced voting system they weighed the tech specs, upcoming video game releases, pricing, and announce their winner. May the best console win.

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July 2, 2020

Spoilers Ahoy! The Last of Us Part 2

*SPOILER ALERT* This week’s episode goes all-in on The Last of Us Part II and leaves no virtual corpse unturned. Together, The Besties break down the plot, discuss the controversy and explore in-depth the failings of this game’s bleak view on justice.

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June 25, 2020

No Spoilers for The Last of Us Part 2

The Besties kick off a two-part series on The Last of Us Part II with a no spoilers episode. They explore the punishing gameplay, consider the pleasure of headshotting infected pseudo-zombies, and explain the trouble with scavenging Seattle for dirty bandages. Plus, they compete in a zombie apocaly...

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June 18, 2020

Justin LOVES Clubhouse Games

That's right Justin absolutely lives for the compilation Clubhouse Games on Nintendo Switch. He can’t get enough of the 51 classic board games, card games, sports stuff and even a piano keyboard! Somehow they manage to shift gears and also discuss the Playstation 5 box design aesthetics and answer ...

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June 11, 2020

The Super Mario Galaxy Isn't Big Enough for the Four of Them

The gang reviews Super Mario Galaxy and picks their best game of the 2007 mini-series. Plus, Uncle Jake Nintendo Plante makes a special appearance to ask for the next great Mario spinoff?

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May 28, 2020

Nathan Drake and Kratos, best friends forever

In their on-going mini-series on the greatest games of 2007, The Besties this week discuss Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and God of War II. Together they comment on the trappings of Nathan Drake’s problem solving, why Kratos has no chill and explore fringe Playstation exclusives including the “When I'...

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May 21, 2020

If You Like Halo 3 You Should Put a Ring on it

This week The Besties are discussing Halo 3! Together they look back to its highly anticipated release in 2007. The criticism around the infamous cliffhanger ending. Their favorite vehicles, weapons and campaigns. Plus, get nostalgic for H3’s limited edition gaming soda.

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May 14, 2020

BioShock: Wet and Wild Fun!

Would you kindly join The Besties as they revisit the dystopian RPG shooter BioShock? Together they discuss the influence of Objectivism and environmentalism on its storytelling. The design aesthetic that incorporates Art Deco and steampunk. And critique the effectiveness of the plot twist (spoiler...

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May 7, 2020

COD4: Should We Feel Bad?

OORAH! Stand at attention and listen to this week's discussion of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare you maggots. In the second episode of their mini-series on games from 2007, The Besties examine the franchise's first foray into contemporary battle. Plus, Russ tests his co-host's knowledge with some C...

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April 30, 2020

Y'all, Portal Still Rocks

This week starts off the new series on the best year for video games. Now with the spotlight on 2007, the gang of course had to discuss Portal and game developer Valve! Plus, the boys pitch Portal 3 concepts to a very special guest.

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April 23, 2020

What Was the Best Year for Video Games Ever?

Today’s special episode takes The Besties into a new direction. With newer releases being put on hold, the gang is looking back at what was the best year for video games ever. Each present cases for why the year stood out and examine all the variables. Listeners can get in on the action by heading ...

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April 16, 2020

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Feat. a Hunkier Cloud

This week The Besties are covering the remake of the hit RPG from 1997, Final Fantasy VII. Together they discuss its influential legacy and how the creators have reimagined the original story and evolved its characters. Plus, Plante presents his thesis on why video games as a medium may have entere...

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April 9, 2020

Resident Evil 3: Missing the Large Detective

The gang survives the remake of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis to tell listeners about the bizarre world design of Racoon City (including a train museum and a very normal toy store with a giant hovering baby head). They also explore why Justin finds watching game character’s heads explode less fun than e...

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April 2, 2020

How to save a dead franchise, or: Old men play Half-Life Alyx

After 15+ years, the influential game franchise is back with Half-Life: Alyx! Follow along for an extremely nerdy conversation about The Besties' experience playing the VR first person shooter and what other franchises they would like to see return.

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March 26, 2020

Animal Crossing: New Horizons will save us all!

This week, the Besties discuss the highly anticipated Animal Crossing: New Horizons! Is this the most important game possibly in the history of humanity? Will this be the biggest game release on the Nintendo Switch of all time? Together they explore the game play, bug curation and how important the...

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March 20, 2020

DOOM Eternal with Elyse Willems

Elyse Willems (Funhaus) joins The Besties for an in-depth conversation on the newly released Doom Eternal! Topics include ripping of arms and limbs, the world-building of hell on earth and space castles.

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March 12, 2020

The Best Games You're Not Playing

Before the big game release storm rolls in, The Besties wanted to cover some of the latest smaller titles you might have missed. Including action platformer Bloodroots, mobile game Crossy Road Castle, the third installment in the Ben There, Dan That! series Lair of the Clockwork God and the manga a...

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March 5, 2020

The Besties go to the Farm!

Today's episode examines Rune Factory 4 Special Nintendo Switch edition plus Russ challenges the gang to a test if any of the farming simulators they've played over the years have translated into real world knowledge.

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February 28, 2020

Dreams

This week the boys explore Dreams, the follow up to LittleBigPlanet from developer Media Molecule and discuss their other favorite user-generated content games.

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February 20, 2020

Sonic the Hedgehog: THE MOVIE

The gang heads to the theaters to see the latest and greatest video game movie adaptation: Sonic the Hedgehog. But what happens if it's actually...good?

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February 13, 2020

Mario 3 & The Wizard Reboot

Plante ditches the rest of the gang, leaving them with an ancient game that came out around the dawn of time. (Thankfully it was pretty good.) The remaining gang try to reboot the 1989 film, The Wizard, for a new generation.

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February 6, 2020

Journey to the Savage Planet

The boys head into space and gather a heck of a lot of resources...and laughs? Russ somehow justifies his love for Jojamart, which may be the true good guy of the Stardew Valley universe.

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January 31, 2020

Kentucky Route Zero / AI Dungeon

After nearly a decade, Kentucky Route Zero (a game first released during the first year of The Besties!) is finally completed. The boys also take a journey into an AI Dungeon to solve a horrible dragon crime.

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January 23, 2020

The Witcher Special

Because the world has been captured by the magic of Geralt of Rivia, The Besties are diving into Netflix's The Witcher and also The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (newly released on Switch). Toss a coin to them!

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January 17, 2020

The Greatest Vaporware + Half-Life's Black Mesa

Some games take a year to come out. But some games? Decades. This week The Besties are looking at some of their favorite vaporware, including a project that's been in the works since the mid 2000s: Black Mesa, a fan-made Half-Life recreation.

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January 9, 2020

The Best Video Game Kings + Shovel Knight: King of Cards

In this episode of The Besties, the boys debate which are the very best video game kings of all time. They'll also dive in to the latest addition to the Shovel Knight franchise, King of Cards.

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January 2, 2020

Most Anticipated Video Games of 2020

The Besties are looking ahead at the coming year and asking themselves: Which are the true bangers of 2020? They'll even look ahead and make some prognostications about what to expect from the coming year. Will they be right? Probably not!

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December 26, 2019

2019 Recap Special

The Besties bid farewell to 2019 with the highs and lows of some of the biggest trends of the year. NOTE: This will be the last full episode on the wide feed. Starting on January 3, 2020, The Besties weekly can only be found on Spotify. Follow and listen for free!

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December 19, 2019

Game of the Year Part 2

Time to decide the best video game of 2019. We've tabulated our votes, and we're even including a surprise bracket, as voted on by the fans. Here we go, folks. It's all led to this. The full list of contenders in this year's GOTY special include: Round 1 - A Short Hike What the Golf Hypno...

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December 12, 2019

Game of the Year Part 1

Who better to pick the world's best games than the world's best friends? The Besties kick off the 2019 Game of the Year special with an intense melee of the greatest video games to walk the Earth in the last 12 months. Got a submission? Send it to mail@besties.fan

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December 5, 2019

Death Stranding

Who likes walking? Justin likes walking! Hideo Kojima's long-awaited walking epic captures Justin's heart, but will the other Besties be as charmed? Also: What other games would be well-served by entering the "Strand" genre?

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December 5, 2019

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Griffin loves his adorable little pocket monsters and tries his very best to convince the boys that they are truly creatures of god. This is generally ineffectual. Also: Pokémon that get far, far worse the more they evolve.

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December 5, 2019

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

The Besties are back! This week they're discussing Respawn's Star Wars game, Jedi: Fallen Order, and diving into the weird world of deep cut Star Wars lore, from Yaddle to jizz (literally the official term for the genre of music in the cantina scene) .

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December 24, 2018

Best Games of 2018

Wondering what the best games of 2018 were? Join Justin McElroy, Griffin McElory, Chris Plante and Russ Frushtick as they venture forth and discuss the cream of the crop. Will it be the last Besties episode ever? Yes! Maybe! I don't know! We just hope you enjoy it.

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May 14, 2018

April 2018 and a Status Update on the Future

Hello Besties fans! First off, we love all of you! Secondly, we wanted to let you know that we'll be shifting back to just having The Besties as an end-of-year special. You can hear all about it in the episode, but this was the solution we were able to make work with everyone's schedules. While we ...

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April 9, 2018

March 2018

There were a ton of games trying to beat the Q1 deadline, but as The Besties soon learned, some of those titles may have needed a little more time in the oven. Or maybe they were beyond hope? Who’s to say? Not us, we have no idea. Listen, we don’t know what we’re talking about, OK? We thought you k...

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March 7, 2018

February 2018

February is the month of love and we’ve got a crop of games that ... well, we like them. Maybe not like like them, but we regular like them a great deal. Games discussed: Lemon drinks, Almost a Hero, Monster Hunter World, Slay the Spire, Bayonetta 2, Membrane, The Fall Part 2: Unbound, Xbox One X ...

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February 9, 2018

January 2018

Games discussed: Iconoclasts, SOS, Sea of Thieves, Celeste, Subnautica, Monster Hunter World, Shadow of the Colossus.

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January 3, 2018

The Best Game of 2017

In defiance of reason, good taste and the laws of both god and man, your pals The Besties sat down and recorded a two-hour-and-forty-five-minute battle royale to decide the best game of 2017. Get comfy, get hydrated.

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December 14, 2017

November and December 2017

Since they waited so ding dang long to record their November and because December is a crummy month for releases, The Besties have combined both months into one big (OK, so it’s regular-length) episode. Enjoy! Games discussed: Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild DLC, ...

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November 9, 2017

October 2017

There may be be a bigger month for video game releases in recent memory, but we sure can’t think of one. Join us for a whirlwind tour of October 2017, capped off by an only slightly predictable finale. Games discussed: Assassin’s Creed Origins, Animal Crossing Pocket Camp, Middle Earth: Shadow of ...

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October 4, 2017

The Besties pick the best games of September 2017

September was one of the most jam-packed months of 2017 until ... well, next month. But worry not, dear listener. The Besties are here to filter out all the disgusting chaff and leave you with a heaping plate of gaming wheat. Delicious, delicious wheat. Games discussed: SteamWorld Dig 2, Danganron...

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September 15, 2017

The Besties pick the best games of August 2017

We know, we know, it’s late, and it’s really, really hard not to just talk about Destiny 2, but you know what? We don’t. Because we’re true professionals with a vague recollection of games that came out before Destiny 2. Games discussed: Everybody’s Golf, Absolver, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, Nidh...

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August 15, 2017

The Besties pick the best games of July 2017

It’s a hot one After a slow June, things have picked back up considerably for July. We’ve got a ton of great games to talk about and, most excitingly, one of Russ’ classic characters makes an extremely unexpected return. Games discussed: Destiny 2 Beta, Hidden My Game By Mom, Flipping Legend, Vosto...

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July 10, 2017

The Besties pick the best games of June 2017

It’s gotten a little slow, but we’re still here OK, things have slowed down for game releases in June. How slow? Well, one of our games was released in May. But, we’re still here picking the best games of the month, just for you. Games discussed: Final Fantasy 14, Nier: Automata, Wolfenstein: The N...

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June 9, 2017

The Besties pick the best games of May 2017

April showers bring good games We’re back with another surprisingly great month of games. This May brings us a few out-of-nowhere surprises and a couple of big releases. A happy May to us all! Games discussed: Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, Card Thief, Nier Automata, The Surge, PlayerUnkn...

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May 9, 2017

The Besties pick the best games of April 2017

It’s only APRIL? Remember when good games only came out after Madden? That’s out the window. It’s been a stunner of a year already for game releases, and the streak continues in April with everything from JRPG/dating games to idle games. Join the Besties as they pick the month’s best. Games discuss...

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April 7, 2017

The Besties are picking the best games of March 2017

You probably guessed it already Just because you almost certainly know what game we picked as the best of March 2017, doesn’t mean you can’t listen and enjoy hearing about all the games that aren’t the best game of March 2017. It’s about the journey, folks. Not the destination. GAMES DISCUSSED: Mas...

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March 6, 2017

The Besties pick the best games of February 2017

At least the games have been good in 2017! Though we still don’t have a great explanation as to why, the first ever Polygon podcast has returned on a monthly basis. Join The Besties (Russ Frushtick, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy and Chris Plante) as they nonsensically attempt to pick the “best” g...

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February 9, 2017

The Besties pick the best games of January 2017

Yes, they’re back. OK? Though we still don’t have a great explanation as to why, the first ever Polygon podcast has returned on a monthly basis. Join The Besties (Russ Frushtick, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy and Chris Plante) as they nonsensically attempt to pick the “best” game released in Janu...

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December 13, 2016

The Besties podcast: Best of 2016

Yes, it's true, we've returned for yet another round of nobody's favorite video game podcast, The Besties. Join your hosts Justin McElroy, Chris Plante, Russ Frushtick and Griffin McElroy as they pick the year's best game with a methodology that ranges from "non-sensical" to "utterly, destructively...

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December 28, 2015

The Besties Game of the Year special for 2015 is now available, you monster

Last year, we published a post called "The Final Besties Ever." We're sorry that we lied about that, but we're even sorrier for those of you who made it happen by constantly demanding that we do it. We can't imagine what dark hole is embedded in your heart that you require one of the most universal...

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December 22, 2014

The Final Besties Ever: 2014's best games battle it out

This is it. The Besties have been on hiatus — which intimates a brief pause in an otherwise regular schedule, so let's call it a "temporary cancellation" — for a few months now, but we've gathered the crew back together for one last hurrah. We're going to talk about video games for a very, very lon...

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August 6, 2014

Best games of July 2014 - The Besties

It's fair to say that July 2014 will not go down as the most active month in video game history. There were so few major releases this July that we decided the best way to cope was to go into the deep, dark past. Each Bestie was asked to select one game from their childhood that they love. The rule...

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July 8, 2014

The best games of June 2014 according to The Besties

Remember last month when a surprise cloud of quality games rained down upon us, soaking us in the joys of kart racing and nazi shooting? Those warm rains of spring have passed and what remains is the scorched, dry earth of summer. Sure, a couple of nice games appeared, like oases ready to quench ou...

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June 5, 2014

The Besties: The Best Games of May 2014

What a peculiar May. Typically, I think of spring as a dumping ground, the soft, warm land where publishers unceremoniously bury games that failed to meet internal creative expectations or sales projections. The past few years have changed that, partly because publishers have learned to tie a AAA g...

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May 9, 2014

The Besties: The Best Games of April 2014

The ides of March were nothing compared to this! Yes, April is upon us and it seems many game companies are just holding their collective breath in order to make it all the way to May, which happens to be so packed with video games that we can't even deal. April is another story. Knowing that it wa...

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April 10, 2014

The Besties: The Best Games of March 2014

I hope you enjoyed March. The month full of big game releases may be the last of its kind for the foreseeable future. Looking at the calendar, we won't see four weeks so full of hyped AAA and indie games until fall. That's why we chose to withhold Dark Souls 2 from this month's Besties. We can disc...

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March 7, 2014

The Besties: The Best Games of February 2014

February came and went. The shortest month of the year was practically a wasteland in terms of major game releases. The standout AAA game, Thief, left many of us feeling robbed. And Fable's anniversary wasn't quite worth celebrating. Then again, maybe we were just looking for fun in all the wrong p...

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February 12, 2014

The Besties: The Best Games of January 2014

The Besties are back! At the end of 2013, the fate of the show was unclear. We were unsure what the podcast would look like in 2014. But after hearing positive feedback from many of our listeners, we buckled down and came up with a new format. We really like it; we hope you do, too. This year, we w...

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December 30, 2013

The Besties Game of the Year 2013 Video Special - Part 2 (Audio only)

In the words of 2 Unlimited, "Y'all ready for this?" The Besties return to finish the fight. Eight games emerged from last week's battle royal, but only one has the grit to claim the title of Besty. Will it be Gone Home? Or Towerfall? Or maybe Zelda? What about The Last of Us, people seemed to like...

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December 30, 2013

The Besties Game of the Year 2013 Video Special - Part 1 (Audio Only)

The time has come! Just like last year, The Besties have come together to celebrate the holidays and decide, once and for all, which game will be crowned the very best of 2013. We narrowed it down to 16 games (four of which came direct from the audience) and pit them against one another in ultimate...

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December 13, 2013

The Besties 81: 'Twas the night before Besty

I can't believe we're about to film another end of the year Besties Besty Special. But I shouldn't let the excitement spoil this week's episode. Live in the present, Plante! Be here now. Okay, so what do we have? Oh, just a number of heartfelt, respectfully designed video games that challenge our c...

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November 27, 2013

The Besties 80: Thanksgiving surprise

We couldn't let you brave the long trip home all alone. Earlier this week, The Besties recorded a special, pre-holiday episode. Thank goodness, because we'd missed a number of great games during launch month madness. There's so much left to hit before the end of the year! How have you kept up with ...

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November 15, 2013

The Besties 79: Left Behind

We know, it's PS4 launch week, but aren't you burnt out on our coverage already? Seriously, between the packed-to-brim StoryStream and 12-hour live video stream, we wager you've had your fill. That's why, this week, we're talking about decidedly not-next-gen stuff. Okay, some talk of PS4 and Wii U ...

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November 8, 2013

The Besties 78: Our fondest memories of the generation

To send off the current generation of consoles, we decided to do something a little special. There are no winners or losers this week, just our fondest memories from one of gaming's longest console cycles. I had a nice time recording this episode. Like Justin and Griffin, I started covering games p...

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November 1, 2013

The Besties 77: A kid-shaped pile of rats

It's almost here. The calamity of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One launch month can be heard in the distance; the vibrations can be felt if you stand still enough. Are you ready? Enjoy these final couple Besties of the current generation. We'll see you on the other side. 2:40 - Best controller upgra...

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October 25, 2013

The Besties 76: Poor, poor Sonic

I come here to praise Sonic, not to bury him. Wait, that's wrong. I come here to bury him — or at least the happy memories I once had of him. Fortunately, my besties Justin and Griffin have positive things to talk about, like the surprises of The Stanley Parable and oh my gosh Candy Box 2 is out! S...

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October 18, 2013

The Besties 75: A very merry Pokémon special

Last week we promised an all Pokémon episode. This week we deliver. The Besties discuss pocket monsters on a level of granularity that ultimately drives Justin to the brink of insanity. Can you handle that? Maybe you're not the sort of person who wants to know about min-maxing Ghastly mating. And m...

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October 11, 2013

The Besties 74 - GD Ritzy's

Russ is gone. We know, we'd thought we'd be thrilled about it too, but damned if we don't miss the little guy. But hey, he'll be back next week, right? Until we're doing our best to cheer ourselves up with video games. Play the pain away. 4:13 - Best Board Game iPad Adaptation (Pandemic) 14:05 - ...

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September 27, 2013

The Besties 73 - A bowl of SteamOS

The whole gang is back together! Griffin returns from Japan to regale us with amazing stories of vegetables and video games and video games starring vegetables. By the end of the episode, we get to the big topic of the week: SteamOS. Valve has decided to take down video game consoles! Or are they t...

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September 20, 2013

The Besties 72 - GTYay

This week, Rockstar released Grand Theft Auto 5 and the rest of the games industry politely gave it and its hype plenty of space to do their thing. Justin, Frushtick and I (sadly Griffin is busy covering Tokyo Game Show in Japan) talk about the things we love, like, don't understand and find painfu...

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September 13, 2013

The Besties 71 - Three's company

Due to technical difficulties only three Besties were able to record this week. Frushtick, Griffin and I try to make magic without the magician, Justin McElroy. Do we succeed? You of course will be the judge. It's been a slow news week, what with the entire games industry trying to distance itself ...

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September 6, 2013

The Besties 70 - The avuncular episode

Frushtick is an uncle! Yes, the man of a thousand roles has a new one: the grown-up responsible for introducing a child to video games. Congratulations to Russ and the Frushtick clan. We return after a holiday hiatus to discuss everything from a life-affirming platformer to a bowel-purging horror s...

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August 23, 2013

The Besties 69 - Live-ish from New York!

You ask for more Grant. You get more Grant. That's how things work here with The Besties. We give the people what they want. But what's this? Zounds! It appears your wish was made on a cursed monkey's paw. You know not what you've done! You see, in exchange for Grant, Griffin McElroy has been expel...

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August 16, 2013

The Besties 68 - Down in a hole

The gang gets back together before being dashed apart once more. This week on The Besties, the whole gang is back together, which is exciting because the next few weeks will be rife with missing members. So enjoy it while you can! We also get a glimpse into what it takes to drive Griffin mad. 4:05...

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August 9, 2013

The Besties 67 - A wild Grant appears

This week there is no me. Yes, due to a mysterious stomach virus, I, your Besties poster was unable to attend the weekly podcast. But don't worry, because another, balder and smarter Chris filled the vacancy. This week, I hope you enjoy the silky smooth tones of Polygon Editor-in-Chief Chris Grant....

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August 5, 2013

The Besties 66 - Rise of the Sun

What's that sound? Well I'll be! It's the dulcet tones of Mr. David Tach. Yes, this week Dave "Sweet Sweet Butter Voice" Tach fills in for Justin "Hoops" McElroy. We discuss the rising of a triad, the setting of a sun, the returning of a shadow and the escaping of a zero. Won't you join us on this...

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July 26, 2013

The Besties 65 - Attack of the Giant Monsters from Outer Space

The theme of this week's Besties is giant monsters. The gang discusses kaiju, space ants and malevolent monolithic mega corps from the not-so-distant future. Like the summer's big films, a number of recent game releases are sci-fi allegories about the way we live now. Or in the case of Attack of th...

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July 19, 2013

The Besties 64 - Best of the first half of 2013

It's that time of the year. The Besties gather around the digital fire to share fond memories of their favorite games, some as old as January itself. Yes, it's the middle of July and we're recounting the best games of the year, so far. Some of you might be surprised to know one of the games is Anim...

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July 12, 2013

The Besties 63 - The Last of Russ

It's possible you've never noticed this odd bit of Besties trivia. Each week, we invite a new clone of the original Russ Frushtick to discuss the week's best things. The new clone is cloned from the previous week's clone, Multiplicity style. Surely, you've assumed as much. The strange characters. T...

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June 28, 2013

The Besties 62 - All Animal Crossing, all the time

Welcome to the end of days. It's rare that all four Besties find themselves smitten by a single game, let alone one for weeks on end. And yet, that's just what has happened with Animal Crossing: New Leaf on 3DS. It has taken the quartet by storm, sucking up every day with talk of turnip prices and ...

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June 21, 2013

The Besties 61 - Welcome back for the first time

Allow me one moment to welcome any new listeners who were introduced to The Besties by our recent E3 video spectacular. The podcast is a little different than what you saw last week. For one, it's not filmed. For two, the rules and structure tend to change — regularly. For three, there are, how do ...

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June 7, 2013

The Besties 60 - An embarrassment of riches

Is it Christmas in June? Usually the period around E3 is like a desert in which the year's worst games are left to rot under the sweltering summer sun. But as you may have gleamed from the carousel of review scores on the Polygon homepage, we have been submerged by a flood of excellence: Animal Cro...

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May 31, 2013

The Besties Podcast 59 — Griffin buys a Wii U

I take a break from the podcast to fulfill my civic duty and Griffin McElroy buys a Wii U. I'm genuinely curious what our listeners think about this decision. At first, I was befuddled. It's like when a man buys an expensive umbrella in the middle of a drought. But I've come to see his point. The l...

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May 24, 2013

The Besties Podcast 58 — The best of Xbox One

Throw us an Xbone, why don't you? We're not sure if you heard, maybe you didn't, but there's a new Xbox coming soon. Well, not soon, but this year, for sure. On The Besties this week, we dive deep and come back with the pearls. 07:30 - Best cell phone feature we're excited to use 17:25 - Best use...

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May 17, 2013

The Besties Podcast 57 - The talking helicopter

The gang is back in action. On this week's episode of The Besties, there's some derisive Snoopy talk, as well as an anthropomorphic helicopter. Griffin has his doubts and Justin changes his pick at the last minute, much to the chagrin of the other Besties. 03:50 - Best reason to hate Snoopy (Sid M...

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May 10, 2013

The Besties Podcast 56 - The backhanded compliment

Mr. Dave Tach fills in for the absent Griffin McElroy this week. His dulcet tones could melt an ice cap, but are they enough to warm our hearts in Brother M's absence? This episode's a hodgepodge, in which the good is bad, the bad is good and Kickstarter is mediocre. We discuss a handful of video g...

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May 3, 2013

The Besties Podcast 55 - A mouthful of candies

I love Candy Box. I'd hate to spoil what Candy Box is. So trust me. Before you press that play button, click this link. Play Candy Box for a few minutes, then leave it open on a browser tab and return for the podcast. Follow these instructions precisely. Fun, right? Confusing, right? Great, let's g...

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April 26, 2013

The Besties Podcast 54 - The awkward episode

Griffin couldn't help himself. Drunk off back to back wins, the Brother McElroy brought one of the most awkward topics to date. This business. I believe we discussed the topic with the greatest amount of grace and respect afforded a podcast that occassionally stars a talking giraffe. Speaking of, a...

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April 19, 2013

The Besties Podcast 53 - Let's finish this week

Boy, am I happy to end this week. Over the past few days, I've struggled to write, think or care about video games. I've struggled to really do anything. Surely I'm not alone. What an awful week. What an absolutely awful week. And yet, some really amazing things have happened this week. Like this a...

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April 12, 2013

The Besties Podcast 52 - Life choices

Why hello there. This week on The Besties, we've decided to stick with the rules set forth in last week's episode because, hey, consistency has to rear its ugly head once in a while. And if Justin sounds quiet this week, it's because his internet is crap and he only heard about half of every conver...

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April 5, 2013

The Besties Podcast 51 - New rules

We've read your comments. You miss the original concept of four best friends battling to the death to decide the best game of the week. Or maybe you want less nitty-gritty mechanic talk. Or you're the one soul on Planet Earth that yearns to hear the squeaky pitches of a certain European independent...

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March 22, 2013

The Besties Podcast 50 - Gears of War: Judgment and Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon

Let's hear it for the supporting character! This week, we discuss two games based off the less popular sidekicks of major franchises. First, we have the Ballad of Baird, also known as Gears of War: Judgment. The fourth game in the Gears of War franchise has more of what you've come to expect from t...

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March 15, 2013

The Besties Podcast 49 - Ridiculous Fishing and Super Stickman Golf 2

All mobile all the time. In the history of The Besties, when the gents end up bringing mobile games to the table, it doesn't bode well for the quality of said games. This week is the exception to the rule, as they're talking about two of the best games of 2013 (mobile or beyond!). In other news, Ch...

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March 8, 2013

The Besties Podcast 48 - Tomb Raider and SimCity

Two big games, including one that works! This week on The Besties, Chris Plante is galavanting out in Japan for work (probably), so we've gone and found his temporary replacement: the incomparable Phil Kollar. Phil authored the Polygon review of Tomb Raider, so who better to detail the highs and lo...

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March 1, 2013

The Besties Podcast 47 - Proteus and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Call it a sick day. Griffin succumbed to the Andromeda Strain this week, leaving Frushtick, Hoops and myself to brave The Besties without him. I confess, it was tough. Fortunately, we had two very different, very unusual games to discuss in the forms of Proteus and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. P...

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February 22, 2013

The Besties Podcast 46 - Crysis 3 and Bit.Trip Runner 2

The Besties enter the next generation! This week on The Besties, we talk about the mysterious ghost man living above Griffin's garage. If you think that's grim, just wait till you hear our recap of the PlayStation 4 launch event. Justin does his best to turn our frowns upside down, but is that enou...

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February 15, 2013

The Besties Podcast 45 - Fire Emblem: Awakening and Dead Space 3

The Besties are back! This week on The Besties, we discuss babies having babies and then having those babies fight for their baby parents. There's also talk of the thrills and chills of space combat, with an emphasis on the thrills. Hey, look at this, two solid games this week! We're on a roll! Wa...

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February 1, 2013

The Besties Podcast 44 - Antichamber and Ni No Kuni

Long live The Besties! This week's episode revolves around the mysteries of Doritos, Taco Bell and much, much more. Also Plante takes the opportunity to not say anything for the longest time in Besties history. Where was he? What was he thinking? We may never know. 03:00 - Antichamber 15:00 - Hal...

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January 25, 2013

The Besties Podcast 43 - Temple Run 2 and DMC: Devil May Cry

The march of The Besties continues! This week on The Besties, an old friend stops by for a visit and there's some examination of the latest free-to-play game burning up the charts. Oh yes, and Dante's resurrection is making some people grumpy. 03:00 - Temple Run 2 21:50 - Half Time: THQ 32:35 - ...

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January 18, 2013

The Besties Podcast 42 - Kentucky Route Zero and Dark Souls

Oh ye of little faith! The Besties are back for 2013 to warm your hearths and hearts. As per usual, the rules have been changed, but don't worry, it's only to protect the innocent. We've got some new games, we've got some old games and we've got a time machine. Let's get crackin'. 03:00 - Kentucky...

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January 18, 2013

The Besties 41 - End of 2012 Special Part 2

This is the audio-only version of Part 2 of our end of year video special. Enjoy! Theme song by Ian Dorsch Get the show: Download MP3" Subscribe to the podcast (RSS) Subscribe on iTunes

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January 18, 2013

The Besties 40 - End of 2012 Special Part 1

This is the audio-only version of Part 1 of our end of year video special. Enjoy! Theme song by Ian Dorsch Get the show: Download MP3" Subscribe to the podcast (RSS) Subscribe on iTunes

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December 14, 2012

The Besties Podcast 39

This week on The Besties, we take a look back at all the games that have made it into our Hall of Fame of 2012. We also decide which three games from the fan vote are getting resurrected for next week's finals. And, what's this, one of our very first HOF selections gets the boot at the 11th hour? I...

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December 7, 2012

The Besties Podcast 38

In what is basically the last week of the year in terms of big video game releases, The Besties are concerned with one thing and one thing only: holiday cookies. Oh, what the heck, we'll talk about some games as well! Far Cry 3 is the heavy hitter of the week, but there seem to be some surprising c...

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November 30, 2012

The Besties Podcast 37

This week, The Besties examine just how humble you need to be for the Humble Bundle. Also, Griffin tries to explain Persona, much to the chagrin of all involved. There's also a question of how Agent 47 manages to hide in the middle of Chinatown, even as a very tall, very pale white guy. 08:30 - Hi...

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November 26, 2012

The Besties Podcast 36

The Besties all trekked off for Thanksgiving last week, but before did, they wanted to share their thoughts on the Wii U! Yes, it's an entire episode dedicated to Nintendo's latest gaming console. Oh, and there's also a special guest who hasn't shown his neck in a while. 01:20 - The Console 11:20...

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November 16, 2012

The Besties Podcast 35

The Besties are back in fine form, discussing the merits of Michael Crichton and examining the mysteries of frogs and fractions. There's also some talk about a little-known game called Black Ops 2 and some Halo 4 fatigue begins to set in. 03:00 - Halo 4 and Black Ops 2 29:20 - Chip Chain 35:27- ...

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November 9, 2012

The Besties Podcast 34

After a night of heavy drinking, some of The Besties aren't quite up to fighting form. And yet, they press on! In this episode, Assassin's Creed 3 makes its second appearance, and we give some props to some unhappy birds. There's also some mention of a horrifying juice cleanse. Oh yeah, and Halo 4....

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November 2, 2012

The Besties Podcast 33

So it turns out that we don't actually know how to count to 33 in roman numerals, so we're going with tried-and-true 'Merican numbers from now on. Other changes include a new theme song by the talented Ian Dorsch and we're no longer bleeping out cuss words, so tread carefully! With that out of the ...

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October 19, 2012

The Besties Podcast XXXII

Besties! Those stunning changes you were expecting? Yeah...sorry...you'll have to wait on those. The Besties are back, in pretty much the form you remember them in. But the changes! They're coming! We swear! And no, the changes don't involve us stopping the podcast. Sorry to disappoint! Ran into a ...

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October 6, 2012

The Besties Podcast XXXI (archive)

Special thanks to Salivation Army for recovering this episode from the archives!

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September 28, 2012

The Besties Podcast xXx

Besties! Here's our State of the Union: We love video games. Much like Vin Diesel or (to a lesser extent) Ice Cube before us. Won't your join us for our 30th show-ebration? We certainly hope you will. 04:30 - Griffin McElroy - Little Big Planet Vita (PS Vita) 13:00 - Chris Plante - Torchlight 2 (...

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September 19, 2012

The Besties Podcast XXIX (archive)

Special thanks to Salivation Army for recovering this episode from the archive!

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September 14, 2012

The Besties Podcast: Wii U special

Besties! Straight up: We didn't play anything this week. There. We said it. Also, Russ Frushtick is in Japan, so we thought that we'd talk about yesterday's big Wii U event where pricing, dates and much more was revealed. So, what'd we think? Well, you'll have to listen, it took us like a half hour...

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September 7, 2012

The Besties Podcast XXVII

Besties! Besties! An old friend visits the show, proclaiming a love for the mightiest shape of them all. There's also some talk about overly complicated board games and the importance of maintaining one's composure when being a ninja. Also, Plante worries about pumpkin-spiced lattes. Welcome, once ...

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August 31, 2012

The Besties Podcast XXVI

Besties! This week on The Besties, Griffiin returns from his escapades. What do the Mannequin movies and Pokemon have in common? So, so much. This week on The Besties, Griffin returns from travelling around the world and Justin attempts to take control of the insanity. We also learn all about the m...

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August 24, 2012

The Besties Podcast XXV (archive)

Special thanks to Salivation Army for recovering this episode from the archive!

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August 17, 2012

The Besties Podcast XXIV

Besties! You know you want to spend the weekend with The Besties. How could you not? Another week has come and gone, and The Besties are here to let you know what games you should be playing. This week, Griffin is in Germany, so the honey-voiced Dave Tach fills in with a seriously depressing game. ...

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August 10, 2012

The Besties Podcast XXIII

Besties! Your friends The Besties are back with the audio security blanket you need to help snuggle you into the weekend. This week on The Besties, we continue to deal with the staggering lack of releases during the summer months. We get a blast from the past with an unfortunate guest and examine t...

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July 27, 2012

The Besties Podcast XXII (archive)

Special thanks to Salivation Army for recovering this episode from the archives!

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July 27, 2012

The Besties Podcast XXI

In a week of mediocre games, the Besties turns to gas station sandwiches for entertainment. This week on The Besties, Griffin's request for bombast is delivered by a mysterious figure from the South. Meanwhile, Dave Tach, the man with cherrywood vocal chords, fills in for a vacationing Justin McEl...

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July 20, 2012

The Besties Podcast XX

This week on The Besties, Griffin returns and demands bombast from a fellow co-host. There's also some discussion about whether dolphins can survive in space.

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July 13, 2012

The Besties Podcast XIX

Your friends The Besties are back with the only reason you get out of bed on Fridays. Join us as we pit the new games of the week against each other to find out which one reigns supreme. Also: Tiny Wings 2! And the epic conclusion of the Mousepocalypse!

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July 6, 2012

The Besties Podcast XVIII

This week doesn't seem like a fair fight, but at least your buddies The Besties are still getting along. This week: Hear how honestly terrified Justin is of mice, walk the exotic wasteland that is Huntington, WV and be there when a new king game is crowned!

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June 29, 2012

The Besties Podcast XVII

In this time and political and Today Show-centric turmoil, it's comforting to know your friends The Besties are constant. Some iOS game you've never heard of? Check. Russ Frushtick doing a terrible European accent. You betcha. Come, bask in our stability.

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June 22, 2012

The Besties Podcast XVI

The Besties settle in for a long summer which may not be the most robust in terms of quality game releases. Justin describes the woes of Steel Battalion , Griffin gives some advice to Wizards of the Coast and there's some discussion over whether Gravity Rush should have actually beaten out Max ...

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June 15, 2012

The Besties Podcast XV

The Besties are back from their E3 sojourn and they've been playing all the latest games so they can talk about them, for that is the social contract you and they have entered into. Also, Russ Frushtick shares the sad, sad story of attempting to do a pull-up.

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June 1, 2012

The Besties Podcast XIV

The Besties square off on Ghost Recon , Dragon's Dogma and Resistance: Burning Skies . The Commish returns to dole out more Besties justice. This week we've got three big games, but a special nod to a fourth game, Slingshot Racing , which offers up single-touch iOS racing enjoyment with grapp...

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May 25, 2012

The Besties Podcast XIII

The Besties square off on Diablo 3, Max Payne 3 and Quest for Glory. In what they hope will be the final rule change for at least a few weeks, The Besties introduce a commissioner to help them select the best game of the week. Also, Russ does a Max Payne impression, Justin infuriates Diablo 3 fa...

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May 11, 2012

The Besties Podcast XII

The Besties return with their most unusual rule change yet: They've completely forgone making any sort of decision an instead created an robot version of their editor-in-chief Chris Grant to choose a winner for them. ... Yeah, it's one of those kinds of episodes.

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May 4, 2012

The Besties Podcast XI

The Besties return with what's likely to be the most comprehensive discussion of flume and flume-adjacent theme park rides you've ever heard in a podcast. Also? Video games! (Note: You may notice a little audio weirdness: Take heart, we've corrected the problem, and it won't happen again!)

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April 27, 2012

The Besties Podcast X

This week on The Besties, we've promised to dethrone Journey as the Game of the Year, but will we actually deliver? Can Journey bring about world peace before the show ends? Also, we welcome world-renowned indie developer Jean Baptiste. It's a profound moment. This week on The Besties, we've promi...

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April 20, 2012

The Besties Podcast IX

This week on the Besties podcast, Chris Plante expresses his love of pig-related games and talks about his romantic physical therapy experience. We also answer the question: Can a motorcycle single-handedly win World War II? The answer: Yes. Finally, the clock is ticking on Journey , which has thu...

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April 13, 2012

The Besties Podcast VIII

We're all slowly recuperating from the emotional and physical gauntlet which is PAX East, but that didn't stop us from playing the latest games and forcing them to fight each other in an epic, heart-wrenching battle. Be there as Griffin mistakes a human man for a trashcan and we give Journey a dead...

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April 11, 2012

The Besties go to PAX East 2012: A Video Spectacular

Typically, your friends The Besties are hunched like so many scurvy-ridden sailors over their laptops as they pit the week's best games against each other in a fight to the death. But since they were all in one zip code for a change at PAX East, they figured, "Hey, let's take this fight to the st...

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April 7, 2012

The Besties Podcast VII

We're a little late but no less passionate for our favorite games of the week. Be there when Griffin makes a case for a game he, in fact, quantifiably does not like. Enjoy Chris' realization that his game is wholly inappropriate for our program. Enjoy a lovely, yet impossible to safely describe adv...

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March 30, 2012

The Besties Podcast - VI

This week on The Besties: Plante goes on a safari for the wild "cereal gorilla," Russ tries to convince us that Ouch, My Balls should be the best game of the week, Justin waxes poetic about Sherlock Holmes and Betamax and Griffin refuses to share his secret video game pie.

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March 23, 2012

The Besties Podcast - V

Last week, we decided that Journey had the ability to bring about peace in the Middle East, what's gonna have even half a shot at beating a game like that? You buddies The Besties are trying to find out! Won't you join them? We hope you will.

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March 16, 2012

The Besties Podcast IV

We've welcomed Griffin back to our bosom after his absence last week, and he's brought a pretty darn heavy hitter with him: Mass Effect 3 . We've had plenty of predictions that Commander Shepard will take the top slot and ride it to December, is that how it all shakes out? Will Russ' dumb marshmal...

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March 8, 2012

The Besties Podcast III (from the archive)

This episode of The Besties was recorded in a hotel room in San Francisco (hence the garbage audio). But hey, that's what happens when we all (except for Griffin) have to travel for GDC 2012!

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March 8, 2012

The Besties Podcast III (Live from GDC 2012)

If the audio sounds weird it's because we recorded this, the third ever Besties episode, in a hotel room in San Francisco.

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March 2, 2012

The Besties Podcast — II

Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick, Chris Plante and Griffin McElroy return with a new batch of contenders for the world's most prestigious honor: The Bestie. Which of their top picks of the week will reign supreme? And will it be enough to take the top slot from current champion Ziggurat? Listen and f...

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February 24, 2012

The Besties: Game of the Year, all year long

It's Game of the Year meets King of the Hill as four of Earth's best friends discuss the week's new releases and decide if any will topple whatever game currently holds the honor. Will Killstroke 4: The Bloodening dethrone your favorite and claim the coveted Bestie award? How long can Professor ...

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