Guest User 9/3/24 Guest User 9/3/24

Black Myth: Wukong

Steam Description:

Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology. You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.

Summary

Introduction and Overview:
- The podcast begins with an introduction to the highly anticipated game "Black Myth: Wukong." The hosts, Paul, Josh, and Ryan, set the stage for a deep dive into the game, discussing their personal expectations and how the game fits into the broader landscape of action RPGs, particularly those inspired by the Souls-like genre.
- The hosts share their initial reactions, with Paul being cautiously optimistic, Josh expressing high enthusiasm due to his love for Souls-like games, and Ryan showing a mix of excitement and skepticism given the game’s unique setting in Chinese mythology.
Game Mechanics and Combat:
- The discussion quickly moves into the core mechanics of the game. The hosts explore the combat system, which they find both familiar and distinct compared to other games in the genre. The game offers a mix of fast-paced action with strategic elements, requiring players to manage health, stamina, and mana while engaging in intense boss battles.
- The game’s stance-based combat system, where players can switch between different stances to alter their fighting style, is highlighted. Each stance offers unique advantages and disadvantages, adding depth to the gameplay. However, the hosts also note that the game doesn’t fully explain some of its mechanics, which can make the learning curve steep.
- Josh shares his initial struggle with the game’s difficulty, which he found surprisingly challenging despite his experience with similar games. Ryan echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of timing and precision in combat. Paul, on the other hand, found the game slightly easier than expected but still engaging.
Exploration and Map Design:
- A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the game’s exploration elements. Unlike fully open-world games, "Black Myth: Wukong" features large, interconnected areas within each chapter. The lack of a traditional map adds to the challenge, requiring players to rely on memory and environmental cues to navigate.
- The hosts express mixed feelings about this design choice. While it enhances immersion and encourages exploration, it can also lead to frustration, especially when trying to backtrack or find specific areas. Ryan shares an anecdote about getting lost in a forest area, highlighting the disorienting nature of some environments.
Graphics and Art Style:
- The hosts are unanimous in their praise for the game’s graphics and art direction. They describe "Black Myth: Wukong" as one of the most visually stunning games they’ve ever played, with a particular emphasis on the detailed environments, fluid animations, and dynamic lighting effects.
- The game’s use of Unreal Engine 5 is lauded, with the hosts noting how it enhances the visual fidelity and performance. The varied biomes, from dense forests to snowy mountains, each have their unique visual identity, contributing to the game’s overall atmosphere.
- The cutscenes, which use different animation styles between chapters, are also highlighted as a creative and effective storytelling tool. These cutscenes, which range from traditional animation to claymation, add emotional depth and help break up the gameplay.
Boss Fights:
- Boss battles are a major focus of the game and the podcast discussion. The hosts talk about the game’s extensive roster of bosses, each offering unique challenges. They note the satisfaction of overcoming difficult bosses, though they also express some frustration with the length and repetition of certain fights.
- Josh and Ryan discuss the importance of using the right strategies and abilities for each boss, including the use of spells and transformations. Paul emphasizes the importance of combo finishers and heavy attacks, which are crucial for dealing significant damage to bosses.
Storytelling and Narrative:
- While the main storyline is somewhat minimalistic, the podcast hosts appreciate the game’s storytelling approach. The narrative is primarily conveyed through environmental storytelling, cutscenes, and the lore of the world, rather than through extensive dialogue or exposition.
- The inter-chapter cutscenes are particularly praised for their creativity and emotional impact. Each one is presented in a different artistic style, contributing to the game’s unique identity and helping to flesh out the story in a way that’s both engaging and thought-provoking.
Game Development and Production Insights:
- The hosts are impressed by the development story behind "Black Myth: Wukong." Despite being the studio’s first AAA game and having started with a small team, the developers managed to create a polished, high-quality experience that stands out in the crowded gaming market.
- They discuss how the game’s initial trailer generated significant interest and led to the rapid growth of the development team. The hosts admire the passion and dedication evident in the game’s design, which they believe is a key factor in its success.
Game of the Year Contention:
- As the podcast wraps up, the hosts debate whether "Black Myth: Wukong" could be a contender for Game of the Year. They acknowledge the game’s strengths, including its combat, graphics, and creative storytelling, while also noting some of its weaknesses, such as the pacing and minor technical issues.
- Despite some mixed reviews from critics, the hosts agree that the game has a strong chance of being nominated for Game of the Year, particularly due to its unique blend of Chinese mythology, challenging gameplay, and artistic innovation.

Insights Based on Numbers

81% Metacritic Score: Reflects a strong, but somewhat controversial, reception by critics.
95% Steam Rating: Indicates a highly positive reception from players, despite some criticisms.
2.4 Million Concurrent Players: Highlighting the game's immense popularity and impact upon release.
Six Years of Development: Demonstrates the efficiency and dedication of a small development team.

Guest User 9/3/24 Guest User 9/3/24

Heavy Rain

Steam Description:

Experience a gripping psychological thriller filled with innumerable twists and turns. The hunt is on for a murderer known only as the Origami Killer. Four characters, each following their own leads, must take part in a desperate attempt to prevent the killer from claiming a new victim.

Summary:

🎮 Podcast Introduction and Sponsor Ad: The podcast begins with an ad read for Experian, followed by an introduction by the host, Paul, who welcomes gamers and fans of the game "Heavy Rain" to the deep dive episode. Paul introduces his co-hosts Josh and Ryan, who have varying opinions on the game.
📖 Overview of "Heavy Rain": "Heavy Rain" is a narrative-driven game released in 2010, developed by Quantic Dream. It is known for its intense emotional story, unique controls, and Quick Time Events (QTEs). The game centers around Ethan Mars, a father who must undergo a series of dangerous trials to save his son from the Origami Killer, a serial murderer who drowns his victims in rainwater.
🔄 Discussion of Game's Introduction: The hosts discuss the game's opening, where Ethan Mars lives an idyllic life that is quickly shattered when his son Jason is killed in a car accident. The game then fast-forwards to show Ethan's life post-tragedy, dealing with depression, divorce, and a strained relationship with his surviving son, Shaun.
🕹️ Unique Controls and Gameplay Mechanics: The hosts delve into the unique control scheme of "Heavy Rain," which involves holding down buttons and using the right thumbstick to mimic real-life actions. They discuss how these controls can be frustrating but ultimately add to the immersion of the game. The use of QTEs is also debated, with some finding them engaging and others finding them tedious.
💥 Ethan's Trials and Major Plot Points: The podcast highlights the five trials Ethan must complete to save his son:
1. The Bear - Driving the wrong way on a highway.
2. The Butterfly - Crawling through a tunnel filled with broken glass and navigating an electrified maze.
3. The Lizard - Cutting off one of his fingers in front of a camera.
4. The Shark - Deciding whether or not to kill a drug dealer.
5. The Rat - Drinking poison, knowing he will die soon after.
🎭 Character Analysis: The podcast covers the four main characters:
- Ethan Mars: A father haunted by his past, willing to go to any lengths to save his son. His dedication and the moral dilemmas he faces are central to the game's emotional impact.
- Scott Shelby: Initially presented as a private investigator helping the families of the Origami Killer’s victims. His motivations and actions are discussed in depth.
- Norman Jayden: An FBI agent battling addiction while using ARI (Augmented Reality Interface) technology to investigate the murders. The hosts explore his role as the traditional detective character and the challenges he faces.
- Madison Paige: A journalist who becomes involved with Ethan. The hosts criticize her character as underdeveloped and mainly present for romantic tension and fan service.
🎬 Narrative and Storytelling: The story's pacing, the way it builds tension, and the emotional impact are thoroughly examined. The hosts praise the game's ability to make players care deeply about the characters and their fates, despite some plot holes and inconsistencies. The game's multiple endings, influenced by player choices, are also discussed, with particular emphasis on how they reflect the game's themes of sacrifice, guilt, and redemption.
🤯 The Twist and Ending: The reveal of the Origami Killer is dissected, with the hosts discussing how well it was foreshadowed and its impact on the overall narrative. They also talk about the various possible endings, from the best outcomes where main characters survive and rebuild their lives, to the darkest endings where one character can be framed for the murders and commits suicide in prison.
🎤 Final Thoughts and Reflection: The podcast concludes with the hosts reflecting on their personal experiences with "Heavy Rain," how it holds up over time, and its place in the gaming industry as a pioneering narrative-driven game. They discuss the replayability of the game due to its multiple endings and the emotional resonance of its story.

Guest User 9/3/24 Guest User 9/3/24

Red Faction: Guerrilla

Steam Description:

Red Faction: Guerrilla re-defines the limits of destruction-based game-play with a huge open-world, fast-paced guerrilla-style combat, and true physics-based destruction.

Summary:

🎮 Introduction to Red Faction: Guerilla: The hosts kick off the podcast by introducing the game "Red Faction: Guerilla," a 2009 destruction-based third-person shooter set on Mars. They explore the game's open-world mechanics, storyline, and its core focus on environmental destruction.
🔨 Core Gameplay Mechanics: The podcast highlights the game’s unique destruction physics, allowing players to demolish buildings and structures. The hosts discuss the satisfying use of the sledgehammer and explosive charges, emphasizing the game's appeal to fans of mindless fun.
🌍 Storyline Overview: The story follows Alec Mason, who arrives on Mars to join his brother, only to find him quickly killed by the Earth Defense Force (EDF). Alec then joins the Red Faction, a group of rebels fighting against the oppressive EDF to liberate Mars. The hosts touch on the game’s fast-paced narrative, which quickly immerses players into the action without excessive backstory.
💣 Destruction-Based Missions: The game offers various mission types centered around destruction, including demolishing EDF structures, rescuing hostages, and escort missions. The hosts appreciate the variety but note that some mission types, especially escort missions, can be frustrating due to AI issues.
🚗 Vehicles and Combat: The discussion includes the game's range of vehicles, from basic transport to heavily armored EDF vehicles. The hosts also talk about the gunplay, noting its dated mechanics, such as the lack of aiming down sights, and the use of weapons like the grinder and arc welder. They describe the vehicles as fun but acknowledge that the driving mechanics feel a bit outdated.
🛡️ EDF Alert System: The game’s alert system, similar to the star system in GTA, increases tension as the EDF sends reinforcements when the player causes destruction. The hosts find this mechanic both exciting and occasionally tedious, as it can disrupt the flow of gameplay.
🦾 Walkers and Endgame: Later in the game, players can pilot Walkers—mechs with heavy firepower—that add a fresh dynamic to the gameplay. The hosts praise this addition, noting that it provides a much-needed change of pace in the latter stages of the game.
🏅 Overall Impressions: The podcast wraps up with the hosts giving their final thoughts. They agree that while the game’s destruction mechanics are top-notch and offer a lot of fun, the overall experience can become repetitive. They place "Red Faction: Guerilla" in the category of very good games, though not at the pinnacle of action games.

Guest User 7/9/24 Guest User 7/9/24

Toontown Rewritten

Toontownrewritten.com’s Description:

Toontown is a massively multiplayer online game built for kids, teens, and adults of all ages. Create your own Toon and join the never-ending battle against the "Cogs", who want to turn Toontown into their latest business venture.

Summary:

🎮 Introduction to the Podcast and ToonTown Rewritten: The podcast begins with the hosts, Paul, Josh, and Ryan, introducing the show. They share their excitement about diving into "ToonTown Rewritten," an MMO that revives the beloved 2003 Disney game "ToonTown Online." The game was originally developed for children and had a unique blend of cartoonish graphics and a family-friendly environment, which made it stand out in the early 2000s.
📚 History and Background of ToonTown: The hosts provide a background on "ToonTown Online," explaining how it was one of the earliest MMOs, released even before World of Warcraft. Despite being 20 years old, the game still has a strong following, thanks to efforts like "ToonTown Rewritten," which was released shortly after the original game was shut down. The game allows players to create their own cartoon characters, known as Toons, who fight against robotic corporate enemies called Cogs.
🎨 Gameplay Mechanics and Features: The core gameplay involves players completing various tasks, mini-games, and battles against Cogs using slapstick weapons called Gags. The podcast delves into the different aspects of gameplay, including:
- Gag Training: Players must use Gags in battles to level them up, unlocking more powerful versions over time.
- Mini-Games: Various mini-games like trolley games, racing, and fishing offer ways to earn Jellybeans, the in-game currency.
- Cogs and Boss Battles: Players can team up to take down stronger Cogs and reclaim buildings taken over by these robotic enemies.
🚗 Racing and Mini-Games: The racing mini-game is highlighted as a standout feature, offering a Mario Kart-like experience with power-ups and competitive elements. The hosts discuss the joy and simplicity of these mini-games, though they acknowledge that they can become repetitive over time.
🏡 Player Housing and Customization: Players can customize their Toon’s appearance and decorate their own house. Although the customization options are limited compared to modern games, it adds a personal touch that resonates with the game’s target audience.
🎮 Combat System: The turn-based combat system is unique, allowing other players to join mid-battle. The hosts appreciate this community-driven approach, where teamwork is encouraged even in solo encounters. The combat relies on Gags, which players upgrade by using them frequently in battles.
👥 Community and Social Features: The podcast discusses the importance of the community aspect of "ToonTown Rewritten," especially in fostering a safe environment for younger players. The game includes features like quick chat options and pre-selected names to maintain a child-friendly atmosphere.
💡 Nostalgia and Modern Appeal: While "ToonTown Rewritten" is primarily a nostalgia-driven game for those who played the original, it still offers a charming and accessible introduction to MMOs for younger players. The hosts acknowledge that, despite its age and simplicity, the game has managed to retain a dedicated fanbase.
🎭 Humor and Charm: The quirky humor and slapstick style of "ToonTown Rewritten" are highlighted as key factors in its enduring appeal. The game’s lighthearted approach, combined with the ironic theme of battling corporate suits (created by Disney), adds to its unique charm.
🌍 Final Thoughts: The hosts conclude that "ToonTown Rewritten" may not appeal to everyone, especially modern gamers looking for more complex or visually advanced experiences. However, for those with fond memories of the original or for younger players, it remains a fun and engaging MMO that successfully captures the essence of what made "ToonTown Online" a beloved classic.

Guest User 6/17/24 Guest User 6/17/24

XDefiant

Ubisoft Connect Description:

Ubisoft’s worlds collide in a free-to-play, first-person arena shooter where you compete to be the best in fast-paced online matches!

Summary:

🎮 Introduction to XDefiant: The podcast begins with the hosts introducing XDefiant, a free-to-play first-person shooter by Ubisoft. The game combines elements from various Ubisoft franchises and is known for its fast-paced gameplay and unique class-based mechanics. The hosts, Paul, Josh, and Ryan, discuss their experiences with the game, focusing on its accessibility and appeal to both casual and competitive players.
🔥 Gameplay Mechanics: XDefiant is described as a blend of "Call of Duty" and "Overwatch," with fast-paced gunplay combined with character abilities. The game features 6v6 matches, various game modes, and 14 maps. The hosts note that while the game offers a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic arena shooters, it also incorporates modern elements like character classes and abilities, which add strategic depth.
🛡️ Class and Faction Breakdown: The game offers five factions, each inspired by different Ubisoft games:
- Phantoms (Ghost Recon): Focus on high-tech gadgets and shields.
- Echelon (Splinter Cell): Specialize in stealth and intelligence.
- Cleaners (The Division): Use fire-based attacks.
- Libertad (Far Cry): Focus on healing and team support.
- DeadSec (Watch Dogs): Utilize hacking abilities to disrupt enemies.
The hosts discuss their preferred factions, noting that the Phantoms and Echelon factions are popular choices due to their useful abilities. The Phantoms’ shield and Echelon’s stealth are particularly favored for their versatility in combat.
💥 Unique Abilities and Strategy: Each faction has unique abilities, ultimates, and passives that significantly impact gameplay. For example, Phantoms can deploy a shield to protect the team, while Echelon can use sonar goggles to reveal enemies. The hosts emphasize that while the ultimates are not game-changing like in "Overwatch," they can still provide a tactical edge when used effectively.
🔄 Time-to-Kill (TTK) and Game Balance: The hosts discuss the game’s time-to-kill, noting that it’s slower than in "Call of Duty," which allows for more strategic play. This slower TTK provides players with a chance to react, take cover, and use their abilities, making the game feel less punishing and more accessible to a broader audience.
🗺️ Map Design and Game Modes: XDefiant features 14 maps and several game modes, including:
- Domination: Control points to score points.
- Escort: Move a payload across the map while the other team tries to stop you.
- Hot Shot: A unique mode where players collect tokens to become the "Hot Shot" and gain advantages like faster speed and reloads.
The hosts particularly enjoy the variety in maps and game modes, although they acknowledge that some modes, like Escort, can become one-sided depending on team balance.
🏅 Progression and Weapon Customization: The game offers a robust progression system, with challenges that unlock new weapons and attachments. Players can customize their loadouts by leveling up weapons, unlocking attachments like scopes, grips, and barrels, and adjusting them to fit their playstyle. The hosts appreciate the flexibility in weapon customization but note that starting with basic iron sights on new weapons can be challenging.
💻 Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM): Unlike most modern shooters, XDefiant does not use traditional SBMM. Instead, it prioritizes latency and region, which can lead to more varied matches. The hosts have mixed feelings about this system; while it leads to faster matchmaking and more dynamic gameplay, it can also result in matches that feel unbalanced, with some players dominating the game.
💬 Community and Social Features: The hosts touch on the social aspects of XDefiant, noting that communication is crucial but often lacking due to the absence of voice chat in many matches. They also discuss the in-game scoreboard, which tracks kills, deaths, assists, and other stats, and the endgame awards that highlight each player's contributions, whether positive or humorous.
🎉 Final Thoughts and Reception: The podcast wraps up with the hosts reflecting on XDefiant’s strengths and weaknesses. They appreciate the game's fast-paced action, class-based mechanics, and the lack of traditional SBMM, which brings a fresh experience to the FPS genre. However, they also acknowledge that the game may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer more polished, big-budget titles.

Guest User 6/4/24 Guest User 6/4/24

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Steam Description:

The sequel to the award winning Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua returns in a brutal journey of survival through the myth and torment of Viking Iceland. Intent on saving those who have fallen victim to the horrors of tyranny, Senua faces a battle of overcoming the darkness within and without.

Summary:

🎮 Introduction to Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II: The podcast kicks off with an introduction to "Senua's Saga: Hellblade II," the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed "Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice." The hosts, Paul, Josh, and Ryan, discuss their mixed feelings about the game, noting both its visual and auditory achievements as well as its gameplay mechanics and pacing issues.
🏞️ Visual and Audio Presentation: The game is praised for its breathtaking graphics and immersive audio design. The hosts are particularly impressed with the seamless transition between cinematics and gameplay, the detailed motion capture, and the realistic environments. They note that the game’s presentation is its strongest suit, with some of the best graphics and sound design ever seen in a video game.
⚔️ Combat and Gameplay Mechanics: Combat in "Hellblade II" is described as cinematic but minimalistic. The hosts discuss the game’s focus on timing rather than complex combos, with the combat feeling weighty and impactful despite its simplicity. The use of a "mirror" ability that slows down time is highlighted as both a cool feature and one that can make combat feel too easy. The hosts express mixed feelings about the lack of variety in enemies and the overall difficulty.
🧩 Puzzles and Exploration: The podcast touches on the game’s puzzle mechanics, which are generally seen as simplistic and underwhelming. The hosts feel that while the puzzles add some variety, they often feel more like filler than challenging gameplay. The limited exploration due to the game’s linear design is also discussed, with some disappointment at not being able to fully explore the beautifully crafted world.
👥 Narrative and Storytelling: The story of "Hellblade II" continues to explore themes of psychosis, trauma, and Norse mythology. The hosts reflect on the narrative, which picks up right after the events of the first game. Senua's journey involves confronting giants, slave traders, and her own inner demons. The hosts appreciate the deep psychological elements but are divided on whether the game’s story is too vague and confusing, particularly in its exploration of what is real versus what is a hallucination.
🎭 Character and Performance: The performance of Melina Juergens as Senua is highly praised, with the hosts noting her ability to convey deep emotional turmoil. They discuss how the game’s narrative and Senua’s character arc build on the foundation laid in the first game, exploring her continued struggle with psychosis and her acceptance of her inner darkness.
🎇 Memorable Moments and Set Pieces: Several standout moments are highlighted, including intense encounters with giants and psychological horror sequences. The hosts describe these moments as some of the most visually and emotionally impactful scenes in gaming, though they note that these high points are interspersed with long stretches of less engaging content.
🕵️ Endgame and Narrative Conclusion: The podcast delves into the endgame, discussing the revelations about the giants, Senua’s confrontation with the antagonist Thoras, and the final decision she makes about how to handle her psychosis. The hosts debate the effectiveness of the game’s ambiguous ending, which leaves open questions about what was real and what was a manifestation of Senua’s mind.
🎬 Final Thoughts and Reception: The hosts conclude by reflecting on their overall experience with "Hellblade II." They acknowledge the game’s technical brilliance but are divided on its overall execution. Some feel the game could be a contender for Game of the Year, while others believe its flaws in pacing and gameplay might hold it back. They also discuss the mixed reception the game has received from critics and players, noting the polarized opinions on its length, gameplay, and narrative.

Guest User 5/7/24 Guest User 5/7/24

No Rest for the Wicked

Steam Description:

From Moon Studios, the award-winning developers of Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps comes No Rest for the Wicked, a visceral, precision Action RPG set to reinvent the genre.

Summary:

🎮 Introduction to No Rest for the Wicked: The podcast begins with the hosts Paul, Josh, and Ryan, diving into "No Rest for the Wicked," an action RPG developed by Moon Studios. The game, which is in Early Access, is discussed in detail, focusing on its unique mechanics, beautiful hand-painted art style, and challenging combat system.
⚔️ Combat and Gameplay Mechanics: "No Rest for the Wicked" features a blend of action RPG and Souls-like mechanics. The combat is described as slow, methodical, and heavily reliant on timing. Players must master dodging, parrying, and managing stamina to succeed. The hosts discuss the game's various weapon types, weight classes, and the impact these have on combat strategies. While some found the combat rewarding once they adapted to the slower pace, others felt it was too punishing and frustrating, especially when facing multiple enemies.
🛡️ Character Creation and Customization: The character creation system is criticized for being overly simplistic and lacking depth. The hosts express disappointment in the limited customization options, noting that the characters often look awkward or out of proportion. Despite these shortcomings, the game allows players to equip a wide range of weapons and armor, which affect their combat abilities and movement speed.
🌍 Exploration and Environment: One of the standout features of "No Rest for the Wicked" is its vertical exploration. The game world is designed with a focus on height and depth, requiring players to navigate complex environments filled with ladders, vines, and jump puzzles. Exploration is often rewarded with loot, which adds to the game's appeal. However, the inability to move the camera and the presence of fall damage are noted as significant drawbacks.
🛠️ City Building and Side Quests: The city of Sacrament serves as the main hub for players. The hosts discuss the game's unique mechanic of having to rebuild parts of the city by collecting resources and completing projects. While some found this aspect of the game immersive, others felt it was unnecessary busy work that detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, the game includes daily and weekly quests that some hosts found frustrating and tedious.
🍲 Healing System and Resources: The healing system is one of the most criticized aspects of the game. Players must cook food to heal, but can only hotkey one type of food at a time, leading to frustrating moments during combat. The lack of a reliable healing method, combined with the game’s difficulty, made the experience more punitive than enjoyable for some of the hosts.
🎭 Narrative and Storyline: The story of "No Rest for the Wicked" is centered around a plague and the player’s role as a mysterious figure called Aarum. The narrative is described as vague and difficult to follow, with the hosts comparing it to other RPGs like Dragon Age. The lack of a pause function during cutscenes further complicates the storytelling, leading to confusion and frustration.
🎨 Visual and Audio Design: The game's hand-painted art style is universally praised. The world of "No Rest for the Wicked" is described as beautiful and atmospheric, with dynamic weather and day-night cycles adding to the immersion. The audio design, while not heavily discussed, is implied to complement the visual experience.
🔄 Final Thoughts and Reception: The hosts conclude by discussing the potential of "No Rest for the Wicked." While the game has many strong points, such as its art style and exploration mechanics, it is held back by frustrating gameplay elements, particularly in combat and healing. The hosts express hope that the game will improve as it progresses through Early Access, but acknowledge that it may not appeal to everyone in its current state.

Guest User 5/7/24 Guest User 5/7/24

Persona 5 Royal

Steam Description:

Don the mask and join the Phantom Thieves of Hearts as they stage grand heists, infiltrate the minds of the corrupt, and make them change their ways!

Summary:

🎮 Introduction to Persona 5 Royal: The hosts introduce "Persona 5 Royal," discussing the game's deep narrative, unique blend of genres, and its reputation as one of the best JRPGs. They highlight the game’s mix of life simulation, dungeon crawling, and turn-based combat, set against the backdrop of a high school setting.
💼 Story and Character Development: The podcast dives into the story of "Persona 5 Royal," where players assume the role of a high school student, known as Joker, who must balance daily life with fighting supernatural threats. The narrative involves forming the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, a group dedicated to changing the corrupt minds of adults. The hosts discuss the deep emotional connections players can develop with characters, each with their own unique backstories and personal struggles.
🏰 Palaces and Metaverse: The game features "Palaces," which are manifestations of corrupted desires, and the "Metaverse," an alternate reality where the Phantom Thieves operate. Each Palace is themed after one of the seven deadly sins, and the hosts delve into the symbolism and psychological depth of these dungeons. They discuss how these elements tie into the overall narrative, exploring the moral and ethical implications of changing someone's heart.
⚔️ Combat Mechanics and Personas: Combat in "Persona 5 Royal" revolves around turn-based mechanics and the use of "Personas," which are manifestations of the characters' inner psyche. The hosts explain the importance of exploiting enemy weaknesses to gain extra turns and the strategic depth involved in fusing Personas to create more powerful allies. They also discuss the various combat abilities and how they can be combined for devastating effects, emphasizing the game's tactical nature.
🎨 Art Style and Presentation: The visual and auditory design of "Persona 5 Royal" is praised for its unique and stylish presentation. The hosts highlight the game's anime-inspired aesthetics, vibrant color schemes, and dynamic character animations. They also commend the soundtrack, which plays a significant role in setting the mood and enhancing the overall experience.
🏫 Life Simulation Aspects: In addition to the main story, the game allows players to manage Joker’s daily life, including attending school, forming relationships, and participating in various activities. The hosts explore how these elements add depth to the game, making the player feel invested in the characters' lives and decisions.
🎭 Themes of Identity and Rebellion: "Persona 5 Royal" tackles themes of identity, societal pressure, and rebellion against oppressive systems. The podcast delves into how the game portrays these themes through its characters, narrative, and gameplay mechanics. The hosts appreciate the game’s willingness to explore darker, more mature topics, such as abuse, corruption, and psychological trauma.
🧩 Puzzles and Exploration: The game also features puzzle-solving elements, particularly in the Palaces, where players must navigate complex environments and solve riddles to progress. The hosts discuss the variety and creativity of these puzzles, which add another layer of engagement to the game.
🏆 Endgame Content and Replayability: The hosts mention the extensive endgame content and high replayability of "Persona 5 Royal," citing the multiple endings, additional challenges, and New Game+ mode as incentives for players to revisit the game. They also discuss the various social links and side activities that can be pursued, offering different experiences with each playthrough.
🎭 Final Thoughts: The podcast concludes with the hosts reflecting on the impact of "Persona 5 Royal," considering it a masterpiece of the JRPG genre. They acknowledge that while the game may not appeal to everyone due to its length and complexity, it offers a deeply rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time.

Guest User 5/7/24 Guest User 5/7/24

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Steam Description:

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a single player, narrative driven action-RPG that challenges the players to choose their own experience – from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations and more - in a truly immersive fantasy world.

Summary:

🎮 Introduction to Dragon's Dogma 2: The hosts Paul, Josh, and Ryan dive into "Dragon's Dogma 2," a highly anticipated sequel that has garnered both excitement and criticism. The discussion begins with their expectations, with the hosts hoping for a blend of "Skyrim" and "The Witcher" with political intrigue, a vast open world, and challenging combat.
⚔️ Combat Mechanics and Vocations: Combat in "Dragon's Dogma 2" revolves around vocations, which are essentially character classes. Players can start with four initial vocations—Fighter, Mage, Thief, and Archer—and unlock more as they progress. The hosts discuss their experiences with different classes:
- Josh: Started as a Thief, enjoying the mobility and agility of the class.
- Ryan: Started as a Fighter but found the combat clunky due to the lack of a dodge roll, making the experience frustrating.
- Paul: Began as an Archer and later switched to Thief, finding the latter much more enjoyable.
🧙 Pawns and Party System: The Pawn system is a significant feature of the game. Players create a main Pawn and can recruit two additional Pawns from other players. The hosts discuss the strategy behind building their party, the importance of having a balanced team, and the challenges of managing Pawns who do not level up, requiring players to replace them frequently.
🌍 Exploration and Open World: The open world of "Dragon's Dogma 2" is described as underwhelming, with limited areas to explore and repetitive enemy encounters. While the world is visually impressive, the rewards for exploration are often minimal, leading to a lack of motivation to explore.
🎯 Fast Travel and Game Design: Fast travel is a contentious topic, with the game offering limited fast travel options. The hosts discuss the availability of Fairy Stones and Port Crystals, which allow for some fast travel, but express frustration with the overall system, especially when compared to the freedom offered in other open-world games.
🏰 Story and Narrative: The story of "Dragon's Dogma 2" is critiqued for being vague and underdeveloped. The hosts feel that the main plot lacks depth and that the most engaging stories are found in side quests rather than the central narrative. The game’s reliance on ambiguous storytelling leaves players with more questions than answers.
🛠️ Performance and Technical Issues: The podcast touches on technical issues, such as frame rate drops in cities and occasional crashes. While the game runs well in most areas, these issues detract from the overall experience.
💡 Final Thoughts and Reception: The hosts conclude with mixed feelings about "Dragon's Dogma 2." While the game excels in certain areas, such as combat and the Pawn system, it falls short in others, like exploration and storytelling. The game’s potential is evident, but its execution leaves something to be desired.

Guest User 5/7/24 Guest User 5/7/24

Deep Rock Galactic Survivor

Steam Description:

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is a single player survivor-like auto-shooter. Wield the full arsenal of Deep Rock Galactic, take on hordes of lethal aliens, mine riches, and unlock powerful upgrades. It's one dwarf against all of Planet Hoxxes!