Subnautica
Steam Description:
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4.
Episode Summary:
Initial Impressions of Subnautica and its Graphics
Ryan describes his initial impressions of Subnautica, starting from the intense opening sequence to the calm and peaceful starting area. The graphics of the game, which are colorful and stylized, seem to hold up well despite the game being five years old.
The Storytelling and Gameplay of Subnautica
The podcast hosts discuss the storytelling and gameplay of Subnautica, with one host finding the storytelling method of discovering the story in pieces engaging, while another host struggled with the lack of structure and direction. They also mention the importance of investing time in the game before getting any story payoff.
Gameplay Features of Subnautica
The gameplay of Subnautica involves exploration, survival elements, and crafting. The game offers a sense of wonder and excitement through discovering new biomes and materials. While the survival elements, such as managing hunger, thirst, and oxygen, add depth to the gameplay, they can also be a bit tedious. Crafting involves using a fabricator and later, a platform, to create various items, including vehicles like submarines.
Crafting, Base Building, and Escaping in Subnautica
Subnautica offers an engaging gameplay loop of exploring, collecting materials, crafting upgrades, and venturing deeper into the ocean. The game features base building, allowing players to create underwater hubs for storage and crafting. The goal is to escape the planet by discovering the mysteries of the planet and making tough decisions. While there may not be multiple endings, the sense of accomplishment in overcoming challenges and escaping the planet is satisfying.
Review and Ratings of Subnautica
The reviewers discuss their experience playing Subnautica and the main draw of the game being the mystery and exploration of alien bases. They mention that the story elements and objectives kept them engaged, but expressed some frustration with the pacing and difficulty in progressing. One host rated the game as a strong "make love" and placed it around the middle of their personal leaderboard. They also mention the possibility of revisiting the game for shorter periods of time which would still be enjoyable.
Key Points Covered
1. Initial Impressions of Subnautica and its Graphics
2. The Storytelling and Gameplay of Subnautica
3. Gameplay Features of Subnautica
4. Crafting, Base Building, and Escaping in Subnautica
5. Review and Ratings of Subnautica
Starfield
Steam Description:
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4.
Episode Summary:
Starfield: Initial Impressions and Story Analysis
The hosts of the Video Gamers podcast excitedly discuss their initial impressions of Starfield, the highly anticipated game from Bethesda. They share their excitement for the release, discuss the vastness of the game, and give their thumbs up reviews. The hosts also delve into the game's story, discussing its compelling nature and the various side quests and missions available. They touch on character creation and the impact of different backgrounds, though some feel that it doesn't have a significant effect on the game. Overall, they express their enjoyment and excitement for the unique experience Starfield provides.
Exploration and Combat in the Game
The game offers a mix of exploration and combat, with players having the option to explore various locations and interact with different characters. The combat mechanics are serviceable, allowing players to engage in gunfights and use different types of weapons with various modifiers. However, the game does not provide much guidance on certain gameplay elements, such as cover mechanics and map navigation.
Exploration and Lock Picking in Starfield
The game features procedurally generated planets with interesting points of interest to explore, such as abandoned facilities and monster caves. The lock picking system involves a puzzle mini-game using Digi picks, where players have to plug holes in a circle and line up segments. The inventory management system is frustrating, with multiple menus and constant issues of being encumbered.
Memorable Encounters and Gameplay in Starfield
The provided text discusses memorable interactions and gameplay moments in the game Starfield. It includes encounters with a kind-hearted grandma, a stranded human colony, humorous conversations, and challenging missions like the Red Mile. The game is praised for its performance and lack of major bugs, although some minor glitches are mentioned. The lack of clever character interactions is noted as a slight disappointment, but overall, the game is seen as worth its price tag.
Thoughts on the game Starfield
The hosts of the show express their excitement and satisfaction with the game Starfield, believing it is worth the price tag and offers a lot of content. They discuss the possibility of the game being nominated for Game of the Year but acknowledge that it may not win due to competition from other highly acclaimed games. Despite not being groundbreaking, the hosts still view Starfield as a great gaming experience. They also express gratitude to Bethesda for delivering a successful launch after the disappointment of Fallout 76.
Key Points Covered
1. Starfield: Initial Impressions and Story Analysis
2. Exploration and Combat in the Game
3. Exploration and Lock Picking in Starfield
4. Memorable Encounters and Gameplay in Starfield
5. Thoughts on the game Starfield
Paul’s Top 10: Cyberpunk 2077
Written by Paul Lehman
*Please note that this article is related to Paul’s thoughts on the game belonging in his top 10 games of all time. Click here to see the post regarding the deep dive episode done on Cyberpunk 2077 revisited in 2022.
Yes I know, the release of Cyberpunk 2077 at the end of 2020 was a complete disaster. The game was riddled with so many bugs and technical issues that Sony even removed the game from the PlayStation store until it was fixed. Developer CD Projekt Red even had to settle class-action lawsuits and was subject to governmental investigations because of the debacle. I know for many people, this is the legacy and lasting memory of the game. It took time, but the game is now in a fantastic state at the time of this writing, with the first expansion, Phantom Liberty, right around the corner. Most of the issues have been fixed, and you’re far less likely to run into T-poses, random artifacts floating in the air, and texture glitches. The game has been largely reworked, and I would consider it a “must-play” game.
Despite all the things that Cyberpunk 2077 got wrong, the storyline and characters are absolutely top-notch. If you’re not familiar with the overall journey of the game, you play as V, an aspiring criminal in the fictional Night City in the year 2077. You are hired to steal a biochip called “the Relic” whose function is unknown. During the heist, the chip’s case becomes damaged, so V is forced to insert the chip into his/her/their cyberware (my first playthrough and “canonical” experience was as a male V, so the pronoun “he” will be used for the rest of this article). V returns the Relic to the fixer that hired you and is thanked with a bullet to the head, and your corpse is dropped off at the city dump.
Surprisingly, V suddenly awakens, brought back from the dead by the Relic. However, V starts to experience some very strange symptoms. He can see and interact with Johnny Silverhand, a long-dead terrorist rockstar who died decades earlier (voiced wonderfully by Keanu Reeves). In an attempt to learn what is happening to you, V tracks down and speaks to people from the corporation that designed the Relic. We learn that the Relic is a prototype of a program to give people the ability to transfer their conscience and memories into another body in order to live forever. It turns out that the Relic had been used on Johnny Silverhand as a way to imprison his consciousness, and when the Relic rebooted your body, it began a process to override V’s consciousness with Johnny’s.
Over the course of time, you begin to act and think more like Johnny. You can feel yourself slipping away, suffering a very slow and seemingly irreversible death. There is a lot to this story that we are yada yada yada-ing, but the real intrigue starts once you understand the situation and have to make some decisions about how to handle the end game.
Without spoiling the different endings, let’s just say that my ending had a very somber tone and was not what I would consider a happy ending. I wondered what mistakes I made that led to such a sour ending. I restarted loading old saves to make different decisions and realized that they were all more horrific than the initial ending I received. It turns out that there’s no clear-cut happy ending to this story. Initially, this rubbed me the wrong way, but I now recognize its genius. Night City is a metaphor for a future run entirely by greed and love of money, and anyone caught in that world is going to suffer consequences. When the bottom line and profits are valued more than people, tragedy awaits all but those at the top of the megacorporations. My V decided to leave Night City with his love interest at the end, but it was still assumed that V would die within a few weeks’ time. It remains to be seen how Phantom Liberty might rewrite or change this ending.
Cyberpunk 2077 provides a lot of memorable story in both the main quest and the side missions. In my opinion, it’s so well written that it belongs just below other futuristic sci-fi works like the Bladerunner movies and The Matrix. It’s also certainly one of the darkest games I’ve ever played, possibly only beaten out by Manhunt. It’s oftentimes very depressing, which is usually not what I look for in an escapist RPG, but the cleverness of the storytelling had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I remember a side mission called Gig: Dirty Biz where I found a father and adult son who had been selling illegal “braindances” on the black market (recorded memories that could be re-experienced by someone else through a cybernetic chip). These were braindances recorded by people who murdered children, and these two were selling the experience as entertainment for others who wanted to know what it would feel like. Look…I always take a paragon/pacifist route when possible in RPGs, but when faced with pure evil like this when their motivation was to make a quick buck off something so ugly…I didn’t even hesitate and shot both immediately. Most games don’t have the courage (or maybe gall?) to include subject matters like that.
You’ll notice that I haven’t mentioned the combat up to this point. The combat is fun and serviceable but is not the lasting legacy of Cyberpunk 2077. The skill tree has been reworked to be far more useable, and the game does a good job of letting you play with a style you prefer, whether that means stealth, melee weapons, range weapons, or hacking enemies’ cybernetic implants. The hacking method is the most unique, and my recommended style of play. There’s just something satisfying about hacking someone else’s grenade to explode while on their belt, or to give them “cyberpsychosis” where they start attacking other enemies for you.
Give Cyberpunk 2077 a chance, and relish in the story and the options presented to you. It will not give you the warm and fuzzies, but it will be a game that sticks with you because it presents you with so many options that are truly difficult to decide on. Sometimes you won’t even see the ramifications of your choices until later in the game, but the payoff is always worth the wait. I also highly encourage multiple playthroughs. Romance options and dialogue change dramatically between a male or female V playthrough (I remember being highly impressed when Johnny mentioned that my female V’s hormones were driving him crazy because he wasn’t used to them). If you gave the game a shot in 2020 and then gave up over technical issues, now’s the time to revisit it. V was given a second chance at life, and Cyberpunk 2077 deserves one as well.
Deep Rock Galactic (revisited 2023)
*Please note that this is the second Deep Dive episode conducted on Deep Rock Galactic, and this page is for the revisit to the game in 2023 during Season 4. If you wish to see the page for the original Deep Dive, you can click here.
Steam Description:
Deep Rock Galactic is a 1-4 player co-op FPS featuring badass space Dwarves, 100% destructible environments, procedurally-generated caves, and endless hordes of alien monsters.
Episode Summary:
A Deep Dive into Deep Rock Galactic: A Co-op Mining Shooter
In this episode of the Multiplayer Gaming Podcast, the hosts discuss their return to the popular co-op mining shooter game Deep Rock Galactic. They cover the lobby, class system, and gameplay mechanics, highlighting the humor and camaraderie of the game.
Class Synergy and Mission Types in Deep Rock Galactic
Deep Rock Galactic offers a variety of classes that synergize well together, allowing players to rely on their teammates for success. The game does not necessarily require a specific class combination to complete missions, but having a diverse team enhances the gameplay experience. The assignment board provides active quests that unlock rewards upon completion, while mission types range from extracting minerals to escorting and industrial sabotage. The addition of new missions and boss fights has enhanced the game's overall experience.
Deep Rock Galactic: Improved Combat and Extensive Progression System Keep Players Engaged
Deep Rock Galactic has come a long way since its initial release, with more complex and multi-stage missions that offer a lot of variety. The combat, while chaotic, has improved with better enemy variety and clever mechanics. The game's extensive progression system, including milestone achievements, perk points, and a free battle pass, keeps players engaged and provides ongoing content updates. Overall, Deep Rock Galactic offers a satisfying and constantly evolving gameplay experience.
Deep Rock Galactic: A Highly Rated and Underrated Co-op Game
Deep Rock Galactic is a highly rated and underrated co-op game that offers a fun and enjoyable experience for players. The developer, Ghost Ship Games, is praised for their continuous support and free updates, making it a passion project instead of a money grab. The game has a dedicated and pleasant community, making it one of the best four-player co-op games available. Despite some criticism of repetitiveness, the game's overall rating on Steam is a staggering 97%, indicating its popularity and positive reception.
Review and Ranking of Deep Rock Galactic
The hosts of the Multiplayer Gaming Podcast discuss their positive opinions of Deep Rock Galactic and its improvements since its initial release. They rate the game as a Marry (must-play) and express their love for its humor, gameplay, co-op nature, and community. They then proceed to rank Deep Rock Galactic at number 26 on their leaderboard, considering it better than some games but not as good as others on the list.
Key Points Covered
1. A Deep Dive into Deep Rock Galactic: A Co-op Mining Shooter
2. Class Synergy and Mission Types in Deep Rock Galactic
3. Deep Rock Galactic: Improved Combat and Extensive Progression System Keep Players Engaged
4. Deep Rock Galactic: A Highly Rated and Underrated Co-op Game
5. Review and Ranking of Deep Rock Galactic
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Paul - Marry (upgraded from Make Love in 2020)
Josh - Marry
Ryan - Marry
Paul’s Top 10: Zelda TotK
Written by Paul Lehman
Everyone has their favorite Zelda game. The series has been running so long and has undergone so many iterations, that each entry feels like a mixed bag. I have always appreciated when a series is willing to undergo major changes for the sake of innovation. I love Mario Brothers, but let’s face it - whether the current game has a suit that turns you into a raccoon, cat, or bee, the game is exactly the same at its core.
Zelda isn’t afraid to take some big swings. The Wind Waker’s art design was a major adjustment and certainly wasn’t loved by everyone. Skyward Sword’s inclusion of motion controls on the Wii infuriated many. Breath of the Wild seemed to be loved by almost everyone, and I consider it to be a perfect game. Then Tears of the Kingdom upped the ante and made it even better. Not only that, I believe that Tears of the Kingdom will end up being the most influential game of the early 2020s.
Never before has exploration and travel been more fun. The inclusion of Ultrahand to build anything your heart desires with ease was a complete revelation. Such a simple system where the sky is the limit, Ultrahand lets you build any kind of crazy vehicle or contraption that you can imagine. When Tears of the Kingdom dropped, I’d never had more fun scrolling TikTok. I saw electric fishing boats that shocked the fish it passed and allowed you to loot dozens of fish within seconds. I saw people recreate X-Wing fighters from Star Wars that you could fly. I saw murder rooms where you could bait enemies inside where you could then shut the door and grind the enemies to bits.
Tears of the Kingdom provided some of the most clever mechanics to ever grace gaming. If you have a mirror shield, you can run out into the sun and point your shield at an enemy to stun them. You can fuse a minecart to a shield to create your own skateboard. Want to combine a flame emitter with a shield to create your own flamethrower? Go right ahead. The fact that I still see new articles releasing months after release with a title like “MORE things you didn’t know you could do in TotK” tells you that this game is not only a mile wide but also a mile deep.
I’ve heard the complaints of people who didn’t like it or think it’s overrated and I literally feel like they’re speaking gibberish to me. This game is a good old-fashioned sandbox, and it 100% will be what you make of it. If you choose to ignore the journey and the clever way you solved a puzzle to complain that the chest didn’t give you a game-breaking new weapon, you’re completely missing where the satisfaction is supposed to come from. The reward is knowing that you were able to use the tools in the toolbox you’re handed to solve the puzzle in a unique way. I’ve never heard anyone complain that Portal 2 is overrated because there aren’t chests to loot. Or that crossword puzzles are overrated because you don’t get anything when it’s completed. This game is appreciated more when you realize that the point isn’t to beat the game or to engage in hardcore combat mechanics. The journey of HOW you got the objective point or HOW you solved the puzzle is itself the reward. Oh, and it raised Breath of Wild’s poker bet with even more shrines (now 152!) and six massive temples to clear out (way bigger and more complex than four Divine Beasts)? Sign me up every day and twice on Sundays.
Paul’s Top 10: Grand Theft Auto IV
Written by Paul Lehman
I owe my obsession with video games to the Grand Theft Auto series, so at least one entry had to make my Top 10. Growing up, we didn’t own any gaming consoles because my parents thought that I would be addicted to video games. It ended up backfiring big time, as the forbidden allure of video games grew even stronger. As a young teenager, I saved up a lot of money, and my parents reluctantly agreed to let me buy a Nintendo 64 during my freshman year of high school. The N64 had released a few years earlier, so it was already a little bit old, but I had a great love for multiplayer games like Mario Kart, GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, and Super Smash Bros by playing them at friend’s homes.
Somehow, I had no real experience with single-player games up to that point. Since my only access to gaming consoles was when I was at a friend’s house, they always wanted to play multiplayer games so that we wouldn’t have to take turns. That was fine with me! The more the merrier, so I was happy being a gamer who only knew multiplayer content.
That all changed during my junior year of high school. I began dating the love of my life, Nikki, who would marry me in 2006 and later become the mother of our five children. In high school, Nikki’s house was a hub for our friend group. She was part of a sibling group of five, and she often had her cousins over to swim and play video games (one of the cousins is my co-host, Ryan).
Nikki’s older brother, Timmy, owned a PlayStation 2 and bought Grand Theft Auto III. It was an eye-opening experience, to see that a video game could tell an interactive story over the course of 15 hours, with violence, chaos, and a lot of fun. A year later, Timmy bought Vice City, and that was the day I truly became a gamer. Vice City was bright, fast, and full of homages to some of my favorite movies like Scarface.
After that, I built my first PC and bought at least one console of each generation. When GTA IV was set to release in 2008, I was practically counting down the days. I picked up my pre-order through Best Buy and quickly realized that IV was better than III and Vice City in pretty much every way. No longer borrowing heavily from mob and drug movies, IV was much more sensitive. Niko, the protagonist, is an immigrant chasing the American dream after being told by his cousin Roman that he was so successful in Liberty City. Unlike the previous games which were more cartoony, Niko is an anti-hero with aspirations to make it big while also dealing with his conscience and troubled past. The story sucked me in as Niko finds himself working for Italian, Irish, and Russian criminal enterprises.
Along with the compelling story, the gameplay also received many updates. Cars drove like they actually had weight. This mechanic was controversial at the time, but I think most people today agree that IV has the best handling while driving around the city. Rockstar also implemented the use of a cell phone, where you could call a taxi for easy transportation around the city, or call police, fire, or paramedic services for easy access to emergency vehicles.
To top it all off, GTA IV has one of my favorite quests of all time, Three Leaf Clover. I’m a sucker a great heist. Many of my favorite movies of all time feature heists (Heat, Ocean’s 11, The Town, Point Break, and others). In this quest, Niko pairs up with the Irish mob to knock off the Bank of Liberty. You run in with masks and weapons and hold the bank customers hostage while taking money from the vault. By the time you’re ready to leave, the place is surrounded by Liberty City PD. This leads to a thrilling segment you have to fight your way down the streets and alleys before escaping underground in the sewer system.
GTA V is fantastic, but for me the apex of the series was IV. The story is more nuanced and actually has a moral message at the end. While GTA V’s success has ensured that future entries will be more in line with III, Vice City, and V, the gritty and real characters of IV worked the best for me. If you haven’t played through this classic, you don’t know what you’re missing.
Escape From Tarkov
Wikipedia Description:
Escape from Tarkov is a multiplayer tactical first-person shooter video game in development by Battlestate Games for Windows. The game is set in the fictional Norvinsk region, where a war is taking place between two private military companies (United Security "USEC" and the Battle Encounter Assault Regiment "BEAR"). Players join matches called "raids" in which they fight other players and bots for loot and aim to survive and escape.
Episode Summary:
Multiplayer Gaming Podcast Recap and Rocket League Tournament
In this episode of the Multiplayer Gaming Podcast, the hosts discuss their recent gaming experiences, upgrades to their gaming equipment, and their participation in a local Rocket League tournament. They share their struggles and frustrations with the tournament and reflect on the importance of playing games with a relaxed mindset.
A Look into the Hardcore Realism of Escape from Tarkov
Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore and realistic online first-person action RPG set in a fictional city plagued by anarchy and rivaling scavenger gangs. The game focuses on looting and surviving rather than being the last person standing, offering a unique and punishing gameplay experience. With its complex key bindings and lack of tutorials, Escape from Tarkov can be overwhelming for newcomers, but recent improvements have made the game more accessible and enjoyable.
10 Things I Hate About Tarkov
The hosts express their strong dislike for the game Escape from Tarkov, highlighting ten specific aspects they find frustrating and tedious, including the Battlestate games launcher, lack of in-game map and compass, inability to distinguish teammates, cumbersome party system, time-limited raids, the need to pay for healing, the complex insurance system, multiple traders with unknown items, and the starting guns being single-fire. The hosts emphasize the slow pace, frustrating inventory system, and lack of fun in the game, while acknowledging that some players may enjoy the adrenaline rush and high-risk nature of Tarkov.
Reviews and Summary of Escape from Tarkov
Escape from Tarkov is a polarizing game, with players either loving it or hating it. Reviews mention the game being prohibitively obtuse and lacking environmental storytelling, but also highlight its hardcore nature and satisfaction in overcoming challenges. The game's inventory management aspect is often joked about, with players spending more time in menus than in actual gameplay. Overall, the game has received mixed reviews with a rating of 3.7 on Google.
Game Recommendation: "A Way Out"
Next week, the hosts will be playing and discussing a lesser-known but clever two-player game called "A Way Out." It's a unique game where only one person needs to buy it and the other can play for free, and you work together as inmates to escape from prison. The hosts are excited to complete the story mission and encourage listeners to check it out on Origin.
Key Points Covered
1. Multiplayer Gaming Podcast Recap and Rocket League Tournament
2. A Look into the Hardcore Realism of Escape from Tarkov
3. 10 Things I Hate About Tarkov
4. Reviews and Summary of Escape from Tarkov
5. Game Recommendation: "A Way Out"
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Paul - Murder
Josh - Make Love
Fall Guys and Among Us
Epic Game Store Descriptions:
Fall Guys - Fall Guys is a free, cross-platform, massively multiplayer, party royale game where you and your fellow contestants compete through escalating rounds of absurd obstacle course chaos until one lucky victor remains!
Among Us - Play with 4-15 players online or via local WiFi as you attempt to prepare your spaceship for departure, but beware as one or more random players among the Crew are Impostors bent on killing everyone!
Episode Summary:
Fall Guys: A chaotic and repetitive party game with cheaters
Fall Guys is a colorful and chaotic party game where players compete in various mini-games to be the last one standing. With repetitive gameplay and limited control, the game can be frustrating at times. Additionally, there have been instances of cheaters using hacks to gain an unfair advantage. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to report these cheaters in the game.
Thoughts on Fall Guys
The podcast hosts discuss their frustrations with Fall Guys, citing issues with randomness and lack of competitiveness. They express their preference for Among Us, praising its fun factor and enjoyable gameplay as a group.
Among Us: A deception game for large groups
Among Us is a deception-based game where players are either crewmates or imposters. Crewmates must complete tasks to fix the ship, while imposters try to sabotage and kill the crewmates. When a dead body is found or suspicious behavior is observed, players discuss and vote on who they think the imposters are. The game stands out with elements like security cameras, vent movement for imposters, and intense arguing among players. The game is popular for its strategy, communication, and deception aspects, although server issues can be frustrating.
Thoughts on Among Us
The hosts discuss their love for Among Us as a perfect party game and their excitement for their upcoming deep dive of Payday 2, a game that allows players to live out their fantasies of pulling off heists. They rank Among Us at number 10 on their leaderboard and express their preference for playing GTFO over Fall Guys. They also mention their upcoming coverage of Payday 2 and tease their lack of interest in playing stealthily.
Key Points Covered
1. Fall Guys: A chaotic and repetitive party game with cheaters
2. Thoughts on Fall Guys
3. Among Us: A deception game for large groups
4. Thoughts on Among Us
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Fall Guys
Paul - Murder
Josh - Murder
Todd - Make Love
Among Us
Paul - Marry
Josh - Marry
Todd - Make Love
Hearthstone
Battle.net Description:
Sheathe your sword, draw your deck, and get ready for Hearthstone – the fast paced strategy card game that's easy to learn and massively fun.
Episode Summary:
Description of Hearthstone as a Free-to-Play Digital Collectible Card Game
Hearthstone is a free-to-play online digital collectible card game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. It offers customizable card game mechanics, where players build decks and engage in strategic battles using various cards with unique abilities. The game features simple rules, stunning graphics, and immersive sound effects, making it accessible to both new and experienced players.
Overview of Hearthstone and its Game Modes
Hearthstone is a popular mobile game that offers convenience and free gameplay, allowing players to enjoy it on the go. With 10 classic heroes and 26 alt heroes, each with unique hero powers, the game offers a variety of strategies. The main game mode involves one-on-one matches where players manage their cards, minions, and health points. Additionally, the game offers other modes like Tavern Brawl, which presents a new game mode every week, and Battlegrounds, a deck-building mode where everyone starts on equal ground. Battlegrounds has been praised for its fair and competitive gameplay, unlike the free-to-play model of the main game.
Hearthstone Battlegrounds is a fun and addictive game mode that offers a more level playing field for new players compared to the main game.
The Hearthstone Battlegrounds game mode is highly praised for its fun and strategic gameplay that doesn't require players to have an extensive card collection or invest a lot of time in deck building. The mode offers a variety of strategies and hero abilities, keeping each game unique and engaging. However, some players have criticized the main Hearthstone game for relying too heavily on RNG and being pay-to-win, while others have expressed their love for Battlegrounds and its addictive nature.
Review of Hearthstone
The reviews of Hearthstone are mixed, with some players complaining about the pay-to-win aspect of the game and the recent changes that made it harder to earn in-game currency. Others praise the game for its well-designed mechanics and the ability to be competitive without spending money. The game has received positive reviews from critics, but user reviews are more divided.
Key Points Covered
1. Description of Hearthstone as a Free-to-Play Digital Collectible Card Game
2. Overview of Hearthstone and its Game Modes
3. Hearthstone Battlegrounds is a fun and addictive game mode that offers a more level playing field for new players compared to the main game.
4. Review of Hearthstone
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Paul - Marry
Josh - Marry
Todd - Marry
Paul’s Top 10: Red Dead Redemption 2
Written by Paul Lehman
*Please note that this article is related to Paul’s thoughts on the game belonging in his top 10 games of all time. Click here to see the post regarding the deep dive episode done on Red Dead Redemption 2.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is the ultimate escapist gamer’s dream. You get to step into the shoes of Arthur Morgan and experience the world as a cowboy in 1899. I actually played the original game in the series, Red Dead Revolver, when it first released on Xbox, although it’s only loosely related to the Redemption games. I’m a sucker for cowboy games, so I always bought all of them when they came out. The Red Deads, Gun, Call of Juarez, Evil West, you name it. Red Dead Redemption 1 was a game that I cherished in 2010, and it was hard to imagine that there would ever be a better Western themed game. I loved the emotional plight of John Marston, an outlaw cowboy forced by the Bureau of Investigation to hunt down his former friends in the van der Linde gang.
Then 2018 dropped Red Dead Redemption 2, which served as a prequel to the first Redemption. We meet Arthur Morgan, my all time favorite protagonist. He’s grumpy, stubborn, and ruthless. I struggled with Arthur at first. He doesn’t respect John Marston, the character that I had fallen in love in the previous game, and I wasn’t so sure I was going to jive with him as I played the early missions.
Slowly over time, you get to see Arthur transform into a new man. You are sent to go out on a mission to collect money from a man who borrowed from the gang. He can’t pay, so you beat him. Badly. The man violently coughs up blood which spatters on Arthur’s face. In the moment, I didn’t realize how much weight this moment would hold. Over the course of several missions, I started to notice that Arthur’s eye were turning a tinge of yellow. He would start to cough at random times. Eventually things get so bad that he starts to black out from the incessant coughs. You finally see a doctor and learn that you have tuberculosis. This is 1899, a world without antibiotics, so it’s a death sentence.
The gruff exterior of Arthur starts to erode and you realize that there’s a sensitive self-reflective man underneath. Arthur often writes in his journal and sketches pictures of people and landscapes that he runs across. We get to read letters sent back and forth between him and his lost love. It starts to dawn on Arthur that the gang’s actions have actually become counter-productive and he makes it his mission to save John from this life that they have found themselves in. Arthur encourages John to be a better father to Jack and to be there for his wife Abigail. The Arthur that we know at the end of the game isn’t the one we knew at the beginning, and it’s just so tragic that Arthur finally finds his true self right at the end of his life. His impending death feels like a 100-pound stone on your chest, and you hope that by some miracle Arthur will survive. Toward the end of the game, Arthur tells John to run to safety while he stays behind to provide cover. Arthur puts his hat on John’s head and they share a sweet moment where John says, “You’re my brother” and Arthur replies in his best Han Solo impression, “I know, I know.”
When Arthur eventually succumbs to death on the top of that mountain at the hands of Micah, I was surprised at how moved I was. The loss hit me like a ton of bricks and it was hard to shake. To lose Arthur was difficult, and the fact that it was at the hands of Micah, one of the most infuriating villains ever created, actually made me mad. The epilogue with John, while much slower than the rest of the game, was sorely needed because there was no way the game could end with Arthur’s death. We had to end on some kind of high note, and getting to see John do his best to provide for his family in a legal way in order to honor Arthur’s sacrifices for him felt earned and rewarding. However, there was still the problem of Micah.
John learns about Micah’s whereabouts, and we get the gratification of settling the score with him. This is the man that betrayed and sold out the gang. He put everyone in danger multiple times and is not a benevolent outlaw. He is a psychopath who enjoys hurting others, and he enjoyed playing a role in Arthur’s death. Luckily Rockstar knew that we needed the satisfaction of activating Dead Eye one last time to turn him into a pincushion.
In addition to the incredible writing and storytelling, the gameplay is fantastic. Probably the most common criticisms of the game revolve around the gun shooting mechanics, but I find them to be more than serviceable. I love cover-based third-person shooters, and I enjoyed unlocking and using the selection of weapons. Not to mention the creativity you can exhibit, like using your lasso to tie up a villain and let them be eaten by a gator or find their demise on the train tracks. You can fish, go hunting, play poker, take bounties, go on heists, rob merchants, engage in duals, and find collectibles. I’ve often said that if I had to pick only one game to play from this point forward on a desert island with no internet connection, I think this would be it. There’s just so much to do, and so much to experience. The attention to detail is second to none (don’t forget…even horse testicles react to the temperature in this game). There are few single-player games that I have spent 100 hours in, but this is one of them, and easily belongs on my top 10 games of all time.
Paul’s Top 10: Portal 2
Written by Paul Lehman
We don’t often talk about puzzle games on the podcast, but it’s definitely one of my favorite genres. Usually puzzle games are pretty simplistic like ibb & obb or Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes. The focus tends to be on the puzzle nature of the game, and then a series of levels or difficulties that you work through. What sets apart Portal 2?
Portal 2 is a bit of a unicorn in that it not only showcases what I believe to be the greatest puzzle mechanics of all time, but it is also topped with a massive cherry on top made of memorable characters, storylines, and humor. We all know and love GLaDOS, the villain in the original title, and her work in Portal 2 is just as memorable, if not more so. We meet Wheatley for the first time, voiced brilliantly by Stephen Merchant, who starts off as our ally to help us escape. Unfortunately, after we replace the core of GLaDOS with Wheatley, the power goes to his head and he becomes the big bad in the sequel as he attempts to eliminate Chell, the person that you control in the game. This forces the player to have an uneasy alliance with GLaDOS, as she promises to help set things right if you help her reconnect to the laboratory. This part of the game delivers some of the best humor, as Wheatley puts GLaDOS into a potato battery, and you are forced to carry her around the laboratory in the middle portion of the game.
I assume that everyone reading this is familiar with the gameplay and how the Portal Gun works in Portal 2 so I won’t go into that here. What I will say is that the step up in difficulty from the first, the existence of the co-op campaign, and unlimited content in the Steam Workshop is what makes this one of my top 10 games of all time. It’s memorable, you get a whole lot of bang for your buck, and you can enjoy it with a friend. Asking anything else from a puzzle game would be unreasonable. Plus, you get another song from GLaDOS when the game ends.
Paul’s Top 10: Mass Effect 2
Written by Paul Lehman
Mass Effect 2 has been my automatic answer for my favorite video game of all time, and honestly, it’s very hard for me to imagine anything unseating it. When the original Mass Effect was released in 2007, I rented it from Blockbuster for my Xbox 360, and from the very first second I was absolutely transfixed. I’m not the hugest fan of sci-fi, but I was immediately intrigued by the opening text on the screen which explained that it was the year 2148 and that humans had discovered an artifact on Mars that fast-forwarded the development of technology. Long story short, the first game lets you see how humans discover the ability to travel faster than light, and the complexities of the politics between humans and the other alien races.
Commander Shepard is the stand-in for all of humanity, proving that the sheer will and determination of humanity is second to none. The story was fantastic, and the game forced you to make several decisions that felt monumental. Not only were several lives at stake over the course of the game but even the future of galactic politics. The climax of the game is when you face a Reaper, an advanced synthetic machine that is coordinating an attack with other Reapers to wipe out all organic life in the galaxy. In the final moments of the game, you decide whether or not to divert precious military resources to protect a ship carrying the Citadel Council or to continue pressing the attack against the Reaper.
Saving the Council is clearly the “right” choice, but the Council is also made up of alien races who have refused to believe your accounts of the Reapers and have stalled the installation of the first human on the Council. The game ends rather abruptly and left me thirsty for more. My first playthrough was fully Paragon and I saved the Council. The same day I completed the game, I started a new playthrough and decided that I would go full Renegade and let the Council die. I played it again and again and again, and I am not even sure how many full playthroughs I have. My best guess is that I have beaten the game about 14 times.
Then in 2010, Mass Effect 2 arrived. My expectations were unobtainably high. It’s easy to set the stage for drama. Learning that the Reaper threat existed was thrilling. Humanity and the rest of the galaxy had to use all their might just to destroy one Reaper. How can we possibly survive against the thousands on their way? We knew that Mass Effect would be a trilogy, so the Reaper threat will not be fully seen until Mass Effect 3…how is Mass Effect 2 going to compete with the initial intrigue of the first while waiting for the final showdown of the third? Somehow between the three entries, Mass Effect 2 ended up being the best one. The developer, BioWare, took some huge chances by overhauling major components of gameplay and story. The game opens where an unknown alien species attacks Commander Shepard and the rest of the crew of the Normandy, causing them to abandon ship. While helping the last crew member escape, Commander Shepard gets blasted into space and dies.
We see an extended cutscene introducing us to one of the best gaming characters to ever exist, The Illusive Man.
The Illusive Man leads an organization called Cerberus, whose mission is to elevate humanity over the other alien species by any means necessary. That means terrorism, scientific experimentation, and subterfuge are all on the table. The Illusive Man understands that Commander Shepard was not just a great soldier, but a symbol of the strength of humanity, and their best hope at stopping the impending Reaper invasion. They retrieve Commander Shepard’s body and begin The Lazarus Project, a two-year project with an ungodly amount of funding to bring back Shepard from the dead. The project is successful, and over the course of the game, you will try to figure out where your loyalties lie and who you can trust. You literally owe your second life to Cerberus, and you have a common goal of defeating the Reapers, but Shephard knows better than to place blind trust into The Illusive Man. When you are first woken up, you find out that the Cerberus ship is under attack, and you have your first experience with combat.
The game teaches you how to shoot, and it’s immediately apparent that the combat system was entirely overhauled. The old clunky system from Mass Effect 1, featuring guns without ammo that overheat over time, was replaced by a modern feeling system with regular ammunition and the need to reload. Enemies often have shields or biotic barriers that provide resistance to certain weapon types, forcing you to cycle through the weapons at your disposal. The skill tree was paired down into a simple and easy-to-understand system which more easily allows you to see all your options. You also achieve major bonuses when you max out one of your abilities, giving you a real sense of upgrade over the course of the campaign. My favorite playthroughs have involved my Shepard going the Vanguard route, balling up into a cannonball that can shoot into an enemy, and then blasting them with a shotgun at point-blank range.
During my first playthrough, I fell in love with nearly all of my companions. Some old faces show back up, like Garrus, Tali, and Liara, but we are also introduced to some of the most fascinating side characters I’ve ever encountered in Thane, Jack, and Mordin.
Thane Krios, Drell assassin
Thane is an alien who was groomed to be an assassin since the age of six. Despite killing targets for a living, Thane is also a deeply spiritual man, praying over the body of each person he has killed. On top of that, he has grown distant from his son Kolyat and is also dying from a disease called Kepral’s Syndrome. A side mission allows you to help Thane reconnect with Kolyat, and to provide advice to Kolyat as he considers becoming an assassin as well. The complex dynamics of their father-son relationship along with the ticking clock of Thane’s disease is a storyline that is moving and hard to shake.
Jack, also known as Subject Zero, powerful biotic criminal
We also encounter Jack, a powerful biotic user who appears to be a psychopath. She is locked away on a ship that serves as a prison, which is perfect because no one can escape. It’s essentially Alcatraz in space. After recruiting her to join your crew, Jack tells us of her past, being a prisoner of Cerberus at one of their research facilities. She remembers being tortured as a child and used in experiments for the betterment of Cerberus. She wishes to return to the base where she was held captive and to blow it to smithereens. While accompanying her to the abandoned base, and learning more about the situation, we learn that Jack’s perception of her predicament was not quite as it seemed. As we all know, memory and perception are flawed, and these revelations cause Jack to re-evaluate what she’s been through.
Mordin Solus, Salarian scientist who believes the ends justify the means
And then there’s Mordin Solus. I’ve never seen a character quite like him. While on the way to meet Mordin for the first time, we’re told that he’s a doctor who is just as likely to kill someone as to heal them. Mordin confirms this later when we meet him and he says, “Lots of ways to help people. Sometimes heal patients; sometimes execute dangerous people. Either way helps.” As we learn more about his background, we see that he has devoted his life to this principle in rather radical ways. When a powerful and aggressive alien race called the Krogan started to spread quickly around the galaxy and were annexing entire planets from other alien species, Mordin worked with a secret team of scientists to create the Genophage, an infection that spreads amongst all the Krogan to lower their birth rates to keep their population in check. The Genophage is even more horrific than it sounds - Krogan females still become pregnant at the same rate, but their babies are stillborn 99.9% of the time. Mordin has no remorse for the creation of this bioweapon because he viewed it as the only solution to protect the galaxy as a whole.
This all sounds rather heavy, but Mordin also provides some of the best comic relief you could ever ask for. Plus, he has a beautiful singing voice.
Eventually, you’re told by Mordin that his protege Maelon has been kidnapped by Krogan mercenaries. After investigating the situation, it turns out that Maelon has been working voluntarily with the Krogan to develop a cure for the Genophage. There are dead bodies everywhere as a result of the experimentation, highlighting how desperate the Krogan are to find a cure. As Mordin finds himself face-to-face with some of the unintended consequences of his decisions, he starts to feel a sense of guilt over what he has done. These kinds of moral quagmires are some of my favorite aspects of Mass Effect. Just like in the real world, not everything is black and white. You can often sympathize with multiple characters who are on opposite ends of the spectrum on a moral issue, and the series does a fantastic job of making you understand each character’s thought process and motivations. The conclusion of Mordin’s storyline in Mass Effect 3 is a subject for another article, but it is beautiful, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking.
So let’s check the score. Fantastic storytelling? Check. Modern overhaul of combat to make it feel modern? Check. Emotional and intriguing side missions and side characters? Check. Difficult decisions that lead to natural conclusions that you see play out? Check. And yet we haven’t even addressed the true apex of the game. The suicide mission.
Without getting bogged down in too many details, at the end of Mass Effect 2, Commander Shepard and company are going to engage in what they acknowledge is a suicide mission. An alien race known as the Collectors have allied themselves with the Reapers, and you have the opportunity to launch an offensive attack on them. This seemed a little cliché at first, but then I suddenly realized how my previous decisions were starting to play out before me. Over the course of the game, as you complete loyalty side missions for your crewmates, they start to suggest modifications that might improve the Normandy’s performance. Like any good completionist gamer, I had completed every side mission and purchased every upgrade. As the Normandy engages with the Collectors, I got to see how those upgrades kept my crewmates alive. After surviving the initial encounter, the crew is dropped off on foot, and Commander Shepard starts to devise how the infiltration attack will go so that the Collector base can be destroyed.
The epic music sets the stage, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The crew works together and identifies parts of the attack that need to be addressed. One crewmate will need to crawl through thermal vents and hack the computers to open and close doors. If you know your crew well, you know which ones excel with tech and which ones don’t. You have to make the call as the Commander, and then see whether or not they will succeed in their mission and whether or not they will survive. There are other decisions as well: Who do you trust to lead a secondary squad to serve as a diversion? Who is a natural leader and who will the second team be willing to follow? Who will serve next to you on the first team? Which biotic user will provide shields for your unit as you cross through the base?
I cannot overemphasize how much adrenaline this pumped into my bloodstream on my first playthrough. Most games just simply place you in front of a boss with a huge HP meter and let you fight. This was different. The strategies and decisions were more difficult than any boss I ever faced. I knew I had the fate of my crewmates in my hands, and I desperately wanted to save them all through the experience. Making several decisions and then having to wait and see how it would play out removed the possibility of save scrubbing, so I made sure to take my time and think through all my decisions. The final results can range from keeping the entire crew alive to having everyone, including Shephard, killed except for Joker, the Normandy’s pilot.
All of this might beg the question, “So what about Mass Effect 3?” Mass Effect 3 deserved a lot of the criticism it received in regard to the ending. However, the first 85% of Mass Effect 3 is just as good as Mass Effect 2. To put it into football terms, yes, the quarterback threw an interception for a pick-six in the 4th quarter, but their team still had a resounding 42-10 victory.
Every so often I get a hankering to play Mass Effect. I’m always faced with a few conundrums - do I start a full playthrough of the full trilogy, or do I jump straight into Mass Effect 2 to hit all the good stuff? Do I even have the time to invest in another playthrough or should I just watch the famous Commander Shepard is Still A Jerk video on YouTube to experience the humor and Renegade side of the game?
At the end of the day, I can only hold off the siren’s song for so long. I always return for a full playthrough every year or two. Your mileage may vary, but for me, this game just hits on every single cylinder. If you haven’t experienced this masterpiece of a series, do yourself a favor and pick it up, and let yourself get fully immersed into the world and experience. You’ll experience joy, grief, interest, confusion, victory, and loss. No other game has given me the full human experience like Mass Effect 2, which is why it’s my favorite game of all time.
Valheim
Steam Description:
A brutal exploration and survival game for 1-10 players, set in a procedurally-generated purgatory inspired by viking culture. Battle, build, and conquer your way to a saga worthy of Odin’s patronage!
Video Footage of Todd and Josh taking to the Sea:
Episode Summary:
Valheim: A Viking Survival Game
Valheim is a surprise hit of 2021, with four million copies sold and a small development team of only five people. The game is set in a procedurally generated purgatory inspired by Viking culture, where players must explore, survive, battle, build, and conquer. The game offers a structured experience with direction provided by a crow that guides players through quests and hints. The world is divided into different biomes, each with its own challenges and resources, encouraging players to progress and explore further. The game's crafting and base-building mechanics, along with punishing consequences for venturing into unprepared areas, keep players engaged and excited to discover new things.
Valheim: Funny Moments, Base Building, and Exploration
The summary of this section is that the group of players in Valheim experienced funny moments such as getting killed by falling trees, building hilarious bases, and encountering unexpected challenges while exploring the game world. They also mentioned the importance of not looking up too much information about the game to fully enjoy the experience.
Exploring the Black Forest and facing boss battles
The group embarks on a mission to find a rare item in the Black Forest but encounters goblins and loses all their gear. They also discuss the challenging boss battles they have faced, with the second boss, The Elder, causing chaos and destroying their base. They also delve into the combat mechanics and different weapon types in the game.
Valheim: A Hilariously Chaotic and Polished Early Access Game
Valheim is a well-polished early access game with many hilarious moments and surprises. The game's chaotic and funny gameplay, along with its atmospheric graphics and immersive world, make it a must-play for survival game enthusiasts. Despite some minor quibbles, Valheim offers a complete and enjoyable experience with a ton of content packed into a small package.
Valheim's ranking compared to other games
The hosts discuss the ranking of Valheim among other games such as Rust, Warzone, and Hearthstone. They agree that Valheim is below Rust in terms of fun and randomness but above Warzone and Hearthstone. They also mention the potential for Valheim to surpass Rust if it opens up to larger servers in the future.
Key Points Covered
1. Valheim: A Viking Survival Game
2. Valheim: Funny Moments, Base Building, and Exploration
3. Exploring the Black Forest and facing boss battles
4. Valheim: A Hilariously Chaotic and Polished Early Access Game
5. Valheim's ranking compared to other games
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Paul - Marry
Josh - Marry
Todd - Marry
Return to Rust (2021)
Steam Description:
The only aim in Rust is to survive. Everything wants you to die - the island’s wildlife and other inhabitants, the environment, other survivors. Do whatever it takes to last another night.
*Episode Summary:
*Please note that this episode was our return to Rust in 2021. To hear our original deep dive on Rust from 2020:
Rust: An Overview of the Game's Resurgence and Recent Changes
Rust, the popular open-world survival game, has experienced a resurgence in popularity in 2021. With its release in 2013, Rust has seen significant updates and changes over the years. In the past year alone, tech trees have been introduced, allowing players to progress through a structured system of discovering blueprints. The game has also seen the addition of new features such as airplanes, cars, and horses, offering greater mobility and options for players. The constant improvements and additions to Rust make it an exciting game to revisit.
Jumping Back into Rust
The section describes the experience of jumping back into the game Rust after a long break, starting from scratch with no blueprints or resources, and the challenges faced in building a base and surviving.
How the Backside of Their Base Worked
The players built a base in an underground silo with a unique entrance that resembled an anus. The entrance could only be used to exit the base, serving as a safe spot against attackers.
Rust Review and Closing Thoughts
The section summarizes the hosts' final thoughts and reviews on Rust, including the average age of players, the addictive nature of the game, and the unique experiences it provides.
Key Points Covered
1. Rust: An Overview of the Game's Resurgence and Recent Changes
2. Jumping Back into Rust
3. How the Backside of Their Base Worked
4. Rust Review and Closing Thoughts
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Paul - Marry
Josh - Marry
Todd - Marry
Warhammer: Vermintide 2
Steam Description:
The critically acclaimed Vermintide 2 is a visually stunning and groundbreaking melee action game pushing the boundaries of the first person co-op genre. Join the fight now!
Episode Summary:
Vermintide 2 from The Multiplayer Gaming Podcast
Vermintide 2 is a horde-based hack and slash game set in the Warhammer universe. It features four-player co-op missions, unique level design, and a focus on melee combat. The graphics are impressive and the sound design adds to the immersive experience. The game can be played with AI-controlled teammates if you don't have friends to join. The gameplay consists of fighting off hordes of rat-like enemies and progressing through a series of missions. However, some players find the missions repetitive, especially when using the quick play option.
Favorite Weapons and Gameplay Mechanics in Vermintide 2
The section discusses the replayability of Vermintide 2 and the grindy nature of the game. The section also explores the different characters and their unique abilities and weapons. The melee combat mechanics are praised for being realistic and enjoyable. The favorite weapons of the players are mentioned, including the Drake Pistols, the Rapier, and the Flail. The ultimate abilities of the characters are briefly mentioned as well.
The Challenging and Strategic Gameplay of Vermintide 2
This section discusses the various challenges and mechanics of Vermintide 2, including the role of different characters, boss fights, the importance of teamwork, and the hunt for tomes and grimoires. It also touches on the presence of hackers and a toxic community. Reviews from the community highlight the unique and enjoyable aspects of the game, such as playing as eccentric characters and the combination of Left 4 Dead's gameplay with Destiny's loot system in the Warhammer Universe.
Steam Review Analysis: Vermintide 2 and the Importance of Positive Reviews
Vermintide 2 receives positive reviews despite some negative reviews, with the majority of negative reviewers having hundreds of hours in the game. The hosts discuss the percentage of positive reviews on Steam. They also discuss the gameplay wall and the lack of significant changes from Vermintide 1 to Vermintide 2. The hosts agree that Vermintide 2 is a great game for a short period of time, but lacks long-term incentives. They all agree that it is a "make love" game, but question its worth at the retail price of $29.99. They suggest picking it up on sale or through Xbox Game Pass for a more reasonable price. The game is ranked on the leaderboard and ends up below Deep Rock Galactic but above The Cycle, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, and A Way Out.
Key Points Covered
1. Vermintide 2 from The Multiplayer Gaming Podcast
2. Favorite Weapons and Gameplay Mechanics in Vermintide 2
3. The Challenging and Strategic Gameplay of Vermintide 2
4. Steam Review Analysis: Vermintide 2 and the Importance of Positive Reviews
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Paul - Make Love
Josh - Make Love
Todd - Make Love
Borderlands 3
Steam Description:
The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and a mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four new Vault Hunters.
Episode Summary:
Borderlands 3: A Unique and Humorous Looter Shooter
Borderlands 3 is a looter shooter that offers a long campaign, co-op gameplay, and a wide variety of guns. The game features a cell-shaded graphics style that stands out and has improved from the previous installments. The sound in the game, particularly the voice acting and humor, is a standout feature. Borderlands 3 sets itself apart from other first-person shooters with its level design, boss fights, and the abundance of guns and gameplay elements.
Borderlands 3 stands out as a character-driven first-person shooter game that embraces humor, unique characters, and over-the-top situations. The game incorporates driving vehicles and features a plot with hilarious characters and funny dialogue. Each character has three skill trees that completely change gameplay, allowing for customization and different playstyles. The game also excels in co-op mode, where players of different levels can still contribute and have fun together. The standout feature of Borderlands 3 is the vast variety of procedurally generated guns, offering players an incredible one billion options. However, some may argue that the story and villains in Borderlands 2 are superior to those in Borderlands 3. Overall, Borderlands 3 is a fun and silly game that prioritizes enjoyment over seriousness.
The Insane Variety of Guns in Borderlands 3
The article discusses the wide range of guns available in Borderlands 3, including different categories and unique features. It also mentions the integration of Twitch streams and the ability for viewers to receive the same guns as streamers. The team shares their thoughts on improving the game, such as better PvP and a more challenging experience. The community reviews highlight both positive and negative aspects of the game, with a focus on the extensive traversal and mixed opinions on the main story.
Borderlands 3 - Review Analysis and Ranking
Borderlands 3 is praised for its gameplay and co-op experience, but criticized for its repetitive story and lack of innovation compared to previous games in the franchise. Reviewers mention the abundance of poop jokes and the fact that the player's character is not involved in cutscenes. Overall, the game is considered solid but not groundbreaking.
Leaderboard Segment and Outro Banter
The section discusses the placement of a game on the leaderboard and ends with a humorous anecdote about a stealth mission in a game involving a character named Claptrap. In terms of ranking, it falls between No Man's Sky and Far Cry 5 on the leaderboard.
Key Points Covered
1. Borderlands 3: A Unique and Humorous Looter Shooter
2. The Insane Variety of Guns in Borderlands 3
3. Borderlands 3 - Review Analysis and Ranking
4. Leaderboard Segment and Outro Banter
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Paul - Make Love
Josh - Make Love
Todd - Make Love
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Steam Description:
Black Ops Cold War, the direct sequel to Call of Duty®: Black Ops, will drop fans into the depths of the Cold War’s volatile geopolitical battle of the early 1980s.
Episode Summary:
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War - Graphics, Sound, and Gameplay Review
The Multiplayer Gaming Podcast now has a live Patreon page, offering exclusive benefits to supporters. In this episode, the hosts discuss the graphics, sound effects, and gameplay of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and impressive set pieces. The sound effects are immersive, with clear footsteps and realistic echoes. The gameplay is fast-paced and enjoyable, with a variety of maps and game modes to choose from.
The gameplay in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is fast-paced and requires quick reflexes. Initially, the speed of the game can be overwhelming, but as players adjust and learn the maps, it becomes more enjoyable. The time to kill in the game is low, meaning players can be taken down quickly. The game modes in multiplayer are diverse and offer different strategies and gameplay styles. While some modes like Kill Confirmed provide a mix of strategy and close-quarters combat, others like Free for All can be chaotic and filled with campers. Overall, the game's multiplayer experience can vary from being extremely fun to frustrating, depending on individual skill and luck.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Review and Community Feedback
The Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War game features a progression system that allows players to unlock different perks, skins, and weapon attachments as they level up. Tinkering with different guns and playstyles is crucial to finding success in the game. The multiplayer mode has received mixed reviews, with some players criticizing the strong skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) and weapon balance issues. However, there are also positive reviews highlighting the satisfying time-to-kill, diverse maps, and the nostalgia of the prestige system. The community's opinions on the game are strongly divided, with some players enjoying the competitive nature of Call of Duty while others express frustration and disappointment.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Leaderboard Placement
The hosts of the podcast discuss their thoughts on the game, and place it on the leaderboard.
Key Points Covered
1. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War - Graphics, Sound, and Gameplay Review
2. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Review and Community Feedback
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Leaderboard Placement
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Paul - Marry
Josh - Marry
Todd - Marry
Left 4 Dead 2
Steam Description:
Set in the zombie apocalypse, Left 4 Dead 2 (L4D2) is the highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning Left 4 Dead, the #1 co-op game of 2008. This co-operative action horror FPS takes you and your friends through the cities, swamps and cemeteries of the Deep South, from Savannah to New Orleans across five expansive campaigns. You'll play as one of four new survivors armed with a wide and devastating array of classic and upgraded weapons. In addition to firearms, you'll also get a chance to take out some aggression on infected with a variety of carnage-creating melee weapons, from chainsaws to axes and even the deadly frying pan.
Episode Summary:
Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2 is a popular co-op zombie shooter game that was released in 2009. It features intense gameplay where players work together to survive hordes of fast and aggressive zombies. The game has a dedicated fan base and continues to be played and supported by the community after 11 years. Valve recently released a community mod update, showcasing the game's lasting popularity. The game's graphics and physics still hold up well, and the variety of zombies adds to the excitement of the gameplay.
Different Special Units and Game Modes in Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2 offers several unique special units, such as the Boomer, Smoker, and Jockey, each with their own abilities and challenges. The game also features various game modes, including the campaign, survival, and versus survival, with the campaign mode being the most popular and well-developed. Additionally, Left 4 Dead 2 offers extensive modding capabilities, allowing players to create and play custom campaigns, skins, and weapons.
Left 4 Dead 2 is Beloved by the Community
Left 4 Dead 2 is a highly regarded game with a dedicated fanbase. The game's AI director, which controls the campaigns, and the endless possibilities offered by mods make it a unique and enjoyable experience. While some players find the game toxic and unforgiving, it still maintains a positive rating of 97% on Steam. However, in the opinion of the reviewers, the game doesn't hold up well in 2020 and is not worth the current price of $10. Some suggest picking it up during a sale for a lower price. Overall, the panel members would "murder" the game due to its age and lack of appeal in the present day.
Comparing Left 4 Dead 2 and another game, the speaker believes Left 4 Dead 2 is the better choice. They suggest placing it around Minecraft Dungeons on the leaderboard. Ultimately, they compromise and agree to place it right under Halo: Reach. The episode wraps up with a mention of the website and social media.
Key Points Covered
1. Left 4 Dead 2
2. Different Special Units and Game Modes in Left 4 Dead 2
3. Left 4 Dead 2 is Beloved by the Community
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Paul - Make Love
Josh - Murder
Todd - Murder
Phasmophobia
Steam Description:
Phasmophobia is a 4 player online co-op psychological horror. Paranormal activity is on the rise and it’s up to you and your team to use all the ghost-hunting equipment at your disposal in order to gather as much evidence as you can.
Episode Summary:
Phasmophobia: A Terrifying Ghost-Hunting Game
Phasmophobia is a co-op ghost hunting game where players use various tools to locate and identify ghosts in different settings. The game is dark and atmospheric, with terrifying audio elements and jump scares. Players can communicate with the ghosts using their microphone, and the ghosts can sometimes respond. The objective is to gather evidence and solve the mystery of the ghost's identity.
Improvements and Feedback on the Game
The game could improve by allowing players to run faster and fixing some of the goofy physics and bugs. Additionally, there needs to be a more rewarding and satisfying experience for figuring out the ghost and completing missions.
Phasmophobia: A Fun and Scary Game
The hosts discuss their overall thoughts on Phasmophobia, with the consensus being that it is a fun and scary game for a few hours, but loses its appeal after a while. They also mention that it's great to play in October and perfect for the Halloween season. The game is deemed worth the price of $13.99, especially considering the limited options for Halloween activities due to COVID-19. It is recommended to play with friends for a more enjoyable experience.
Phasmophobia's ranking on the leaderboard
Phasmophobia is ranked below Rimworld but above GTFO on the leaderboard, with some players finding it less enjoyable due to slower gameplay and potential for boring matches. Despite this, it is still worth checking out, especially considering its affordable price.
Key Points Covered
1. Improvements and Feedback on the Game
2. Phasmophobia: A Fun and Scary Game
3. Phasmophobia's ranking on the leaderboard
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Paul - Make Love
Josh - Make Love
Todd - Make Love
STAR WARS: Squadrons
Steam Description:
Master the art of starfighter combat in the authentic piloting experience STAR WARS™: Squadrons. Feel the adrenaline of first-person multiplayer space dogfights alongside your squadron, and buckle up in a thrilling STAR WARS™ story.
Episode Summary:
Star Wars Squadrons: A Multiplayer Air Combat Game
Star Wars Squadrons is a multiplayer air combat game set in the Star Wars universe. Players can pilot their favorite Star Wars ships, engage in dogfights and ranked combat, and participate in team-based fleet battles. The game offers a simple yet complex gameplay experience, with various ship types, loadouts, and strategic elements to consider. Communication and coordination among teammates are crucial for success, making it a true multiplayer experience.
Multiplayer experience and lack of co-op strategy in Squadrons
The discussion highlights the differences between Squadrons and other multiplayer games in terms of co-op strategy and shared experiences. The gameplay in Squadrons is described as more chaotic and less focused on coordinated plays, relying on individual skills and limited communication. However, there are still elements of strategy and teamwork, especially when it comes to ship selection and loadout customization. The differences between the two sides (Rebels and Empire) and the unique features of support ships are also mentioned. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable despite its lower emphasis on co-op strategy.
Customization and Gameplay
The game offers a wide range of customization options for ships, including different weapons, accessories, and upgrades. However, there is a trade-off between different stats and abilities. The gameplay mechanics, such as power management and drifting, add depth to the game. Players can tailor their ships to their play style, but the limited number of ships and repetitive roles reduce the game's longevity. Additional game modes and ships would enhance the long-term appeal.
Make Love, Marry, Murder: Personal Ratings for Games
The hosts discuss their personal opinions and ratings for the game Squadrons. While one host would "marry" the game and sees it as a long-term, enjoyable experience, another host would only "make love" to it, finding it fun but not something they would continue playing extensively. The third host sees the game as an on-again, off-again option for when they are bored with other games. The hosts also discuss the game's price and whether it is worth it. Ultimately, they decide to rank Squadrons at number 14 on their leaderboard.
Key Points Covered
1. Star Wars Squadrons: A Multiplayer Air Combat Game
2. Multiplayer experience and lack of co-op strategy in Squadrons
3. Customization and Gameplay
4. Make Love, Marry, Murder: Personal Ratings for Games
Make Love, Marry, or Murder Ratings:
Paul - Make Love
Josh - Marry
Todd - Make Love