The Besties podcast

The Besties

It's Game of the Year meets King of the Hill as four of Earth's best friends – Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Chris Plante, and Russ Frushtick – rank and review their favorite video games. Because shouldn't the world's best friends pick the world's best games?

It's Game of the Year meets King of the Hill as four of Earth's best friends – Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Chris Plante, and Russ Frushtick – rank and review their favorite video games. Because shouldn't the world's best friends pick the world's best games?

 

#427

The Besties Game of the Year Is . . .

A year’s worth of video game podcasting has brought us to this moment. The Besties use their brains and brackets to select the Besties Besty of 2024. Plus, Frushtick, Hoops, Griffin, and Plante share their personal Top 5s! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

Yesterday

1 HR 28 MINS

1:28:00

Yesterday


#426

The Besties Besty of the Year 2024, part 1

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Besties have places 16 games in their annual bracket. By the end of this extra meaty episode, eight will remain. Will your favorite make the cut? Listen to find out. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

13 Dec 2024

1 HR 29 MINS

1:29:48

13 Dec 2024


#425

These Games Will Win at The Game Awards – Maybe!

Ahead of the annual Game Awards spectacle, Frushtick and Griffin make their predictions on which games will take home statues. Does Balatro really have a chance to win it all? Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

06 Dec 2024

58 MINS

58:16

06 Dec 2024


#424

Half-Life 2's Patch Adds an Incredible Commentary

The 20th-anniversary update to Half-Life 2 turns the game into a masterclass in game design. The Besties talk about the in-game commentary along with the new feature-length documentary. No surprise: Valve nailed it again. Plus, Griffin and Frush opine on Pokémon TCG Pocket! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

29 Nov 2024

55 MINS

55:54

29 Nov 2024


#423

The Thanksgiving Buffet of Video Games

It's not the holiday yet, but we couldn't help ourselves from digging into a game that embodies a decadent feast. Echo Point Nova is a forgettable name for an excellent game. The open-world indie FPS piles on powers like a doting aunt slopping sides onto your Thanksgiving plate. First, we triple jump, hoverboard, and grappling hook our way through its adventure. Then, we react to the Game Award nominations. Is it time for the awards to add more nominees? Listen to find out! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

22 Nov 2024

54 MINS

54:51

22 Nov 2024


#422

The "Something Old, Something New" Week in Gaming

This week, The Besties host a double feature! First, we’ve got the Hades-like Windblown, the new game from the creators of Dead Cells. Then, Griffin and Plante celebrate the ultra-cozy Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. And yes, we spend a little time on Mario & Luigi: Brothership — for better or worse. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

15 Nov 2024

1 HR 09 MINS

1:09:56

15 Nov 2024


#421

Revisiting our "Most Anticipated Games" of 2024

This week, the Besties pay tribute to the words of the great Huey Lewis and "gotta get back in time." How does their list of anticipated games from January look in the harsh light of November? Listen to find out! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

08 Nov 2024

56 MINS

56:17

08 Nov 2024


#420

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Wants You to be Happy

After nearly a decade, a new Dragon Age soars into the world. The Besties grab their swords and spells, hop through the portal, and make a delicious meal of the colossal RPG. Plus, the squad helps you pick which new RPG to play this holiday season. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

01 Nov 2024

1 HR 05 MINS

1:05:39

01 Nov 2024


#419

The Awesome Games of the Future

Crave the era of demo discs? It’s returned thanks to Steam Next Fest. This week, The Besties discuss 10 demos of anticipated games. Plus, we share some of your favorites. And we talk about a very special Justin McElroy video! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

25 Oct 2024

50 MINS

50:29

25 Oct 2024


#418

Silent Hill 2 is the Psycho (1998) of Video Games

The new remake of Silent Hill 2 has painterly visuals, killer sound design, and genuinely scary surprises. But why does this remake feel different than Dead Space and Resident Evil 4? The Besties click on their flashlights and search for an answer. Plus, a mail bag dive! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

18 Oct 2024

49 MINS

49:39

18 Oct 2024


#417

Yes, Metaphor: ReFantazio Really is Fantasy Persona

Half of The Besties adore Metaphor: ReFantazio. The other half? It’s complicated! Griffin and Plante talk about the new RPG that puts a fantasy spin on the Persona formula. And Hoops and Frush bring two games that brought them joy, Yars Rising and Kill Knight. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

11 Oct 2024

52 MINS

52:13

11 Oct 2024


#416

Is the New Zelda as Good as We Hoped?

New Zelda week! The Besties step into the shoes of Zelda (not Link!) in Echoes of Wisdom. With the help of a magical wand and a star, they summon countless tables and vases to save the world. Plus, the crew looks at the remaining games of 2024. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

04 Oct 2024

1 HR 04 MINS

1:04:38

04 Oct 2024


#415

UFO 50 with special guest Jason Schreier!

To pick through the 50 indie games stuffed into UFO 50, The Besties called in support: Bloomberg reporter and author Jason Schreier. We discuss our favorites from UFO 50 and the point of a collection this big. In the back half, Schreier shares some juicy tidbits from his new book on the history of Blizzard, Play Nice. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

27 Sep 2024

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:44

27 Sep 2024


#414

Too Many Games? Not a Problem!

This week, The Besties bring a crop of games that hadn't received the time and attention they deserve: Children of Morta, Core Keeper, Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines. Plus, Griffin shares his favorite exercise games, and Justin talks at length about a TV show that might not be real. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

20 Sep 2024

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:32

20 Sep 2024


#413

Astrobot is the New GOTY Frontrunner

Everybody on the crew agrees that Astrobot is a top contender for Game of the Year. But one member believes that the Sony exclusive is the best platformer of all time. Yes, even better than every Mario game. In this episode, The Besties discuss Sony’s humongous win of the week and its inexplicable own goal — the PS5 Pro. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

13 Sep 2024

55 MINS

55:34

13 Sep 2024


#412

Where Do Star Wars Games Go From Here?

This week, The Besties travel to a galaxy far, far away to play Star Wars: Outlaws. The crew also talks about some delightful new indies, including Bloodless and Fields of Mistria. Plus, CHIMP CRAZY?! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

06 Sep 2024

1 HR 04 MINS

1:04:22

06 Sep 2024


#411

Black Myth Wukong puts the book in video game book club

Black Myth Wukong is a sequel to the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West. It’s also a AAA action game with a spectacular opening that channel’s the scale of Asura’s Wrath. You remember Asura’s Wrath, right? In this episode, the crew discusses the game, the book, and many adaptations. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

30 Aug 2024

56 MINS

56:14

30 Aug 2024


#410

Tactical Breach Wizards Does Practically Everything Right

Tactical Breach Wizards looks like XCOM, plays like FTL, and has writing as good if not better than most RPGs. Rarely are all four Besties this hyped for the same game, but here we are! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

23 Aug 2024

57 MINS

57:28

23 Aug 2024


#409

We Invented A New Genre Name!

The Operator is a spy game set entirely on the desktop computer of a government employee. We call this sort of game a UI RPG. We talk about other entries in this growing genre and then open the mailbag to answer some particularly excellent questions. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

16 Aug 2024

56 MINS

56:43

16 Aug 2024


#408

Two Very Different Approaches to a “Funny Video Game”

What makes a video game funny? This week, The Besties try World of Goo 2, the sequel to one of the original silly indie games. In the back half, they wax poetic on Thank Goodness You’re Here, the most comically British game… ever? Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

09 Aug 2024

49 MINS

49:07

09 Aug 2024


#407

A Heist Game Starring Robot Pirates? Yes, Please!

SteamWorld Heist 2 is one of the year’s best surprises. The turn-based tactics shooter builds on its 2015 predecessor in practically every way, transforming into a rich mishmash of story, adventuring, and thrilling shootouts. In the back half, The Besties make progress on emptying the mailbag with a lengthy AMA. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

02 Aug 2024

1 HR 03 MINS

1:03:51

02 Aug 2024


#406

Nintendo Dares You to Become a Speedrunner

This week, Nintendo challenges the Besties to become elite speedrunners. Can they beat Mario in minutes? Will they transform into a morph ball in mere seconds? Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition helps the crew test the limits of their skills. Plus, Dungeons of Hinterberg blends Persona hangout session with Zelda’s dungeon-crawling combat. NOTE: This episode of the Besties was recorded before the announcement of the SAG-AFTRA strike against major video game publishers. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

26 Jul 2024

52 MINS

52:27

26 Jul 2024


#405

Open the Summer Video Game Grab Bag!

We have talked about dozens of awesome games in 2024, yet we still missed several tasty delights. This week, the Besties take solo journeys across the world of gaming and return with some fascinating discoveries. Want a remake of a ‘90s classic? Or an FPS about sneakers? Have we got the games for you! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

19 Jul 2024

1 HR 05 MINS

1:05:25

19 Jul 2024


#404

The Best Games of 2024 at the Halfway Point

We stand at the midpoint of 2024. Behind us, we see a towering pile of video games. We reach into the stack and pull something loose. It’s Balatro! We grab another game from the rubble! Like a Dragon! Together, the Besties retrieve the best games of the year from this mess and bring only the best! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

12 Jul 2024

1 HR 03 MINS

1:03:26

12 Jul 2024


#403

We're Haunted by Luigi's Mansion 2 HD

Nintendo’s final year of Switch has been a bizarre mishmash of remakes and spinoffs. Luigi’s Mansion 2 continues that trend, updating the 2013 3DS jaunt for a 2024 audience. Can a decade-old game meet the expectations of Luigi’s Mansion 3 fans? And what other 3DS games should Nintendo update next? Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

05 Jul 2024

56 MINS

56:15

05 Jul 2024


#402

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a LOT

Can the game of the year be a DLC expansion? This week, The Besties discuss Elden Ring: The Shadow of the Erdtree, the highly anticipated addition to one of the greatest games of all time. Is it too hard? How is it different from the original game? Can The Besties get gud?  In the back half, what do we want from FromSoftware moving forward? Listen to find out! Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

28 Jun 2024

55 MINS

55:05

28 Jun 2024


#401

What makes Nintendo different from the rest

Nintendo can't be stopped! With the Nintendo Switch 2 coming in 2025, we expected 2024 to be a slow year for the iconic game publisher. We were wrong. We open the show with a long convo about the big announcements, including a Zelda game starring Zelda. In the back half, The Besties hop into Destiny 2 one last time to try the last major update, The Final Shape. The MMO FPS launched in 2017 -- the same year Nintendo announced Metroid Prime 4. Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at [www.besties.fan] (http://www.besties.fan/) . Want more episodes? Join us at [patreon.com/thebesties] (http://patreon.com/thebesties) for three bonus episodes each month! ... Read more

21 Jun 2024

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:21

21 Jun 2024