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.
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!
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.
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!
Pacific Drive
Steam Description:
Face the supernatural dangers of the Olympic Exclusion Zone with a car as your only lifeline in this driving survival adventure! Scavenge resources, load up your trusty station wagon, and drive like hell to make it through alive.
Edge of Nowhere
Oculus Description:
Edge of Nowhere is a third-person VR adventure from acclaimed independent developer Insomniac Games. Victor Howard is on a journey to find his fiancée, Ava Thorne, who is part of a lost expedition in Antarctica. His rescue mission takes a sudden turn as he ventures deeper into a dark monstrous world where reality warps and twists around him. Desperate to find the one he loves, Victor must encounter disturbing monsters and scale looming ice walls as he descends further into madness. In Edge of Nowhere, nothing is what it seems and the unexpected lurks from all sides.
Helldivers 2
Steam Description:
The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter.
Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated
Steam Description:
Are you ready, kids? The cult classic is back, faithfully remade in spongetastic splendor! Play as SpongeBob, Patrick and Sandy and show the evil Plankton that crime pays even less than Mr. Krabs.
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed
Epic Game Store Description:
Hunting or haunting! The choice is yours in the upcoming asymmetrical Ghostbusters game from IllFonic, Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed. Play with up to four friends or solo on multiple platforms.
Fortnite
Epic Game Store Description:
Create, play, and battle with friends for free in Fortnite. Be the last player standing in Battle Royale and Zero Build, experience a concert or live event, or discover over a million creator made games, including racing, parkour, zombie survival, and more. Each Fortnite island has an individual age rating so you can find the one that's right for you and your friends. Find it all in Fortnite ... Drop In.
Episode Summary:
The Evolution of Fortnite: From Battle Royale to a Multi-Game Hub
Fortnite has evolved from a simple Battle Royale game to a multi-game hub with hundreds of different modes and options. The hosts of the Video Gamers podcast discuss their initial resistance to the game, the popularity of Battle Royales, and the overwhelming amount of content now available in Fortnite. They also reflect on the game's impact and its success in the gaming community.
Fortnite's Build Mode and Weapon Variety
The hosts discuss their experiences with Fortnite's build mode and the weapon variety in the game. They express their frustrations with build mode, finding it chaotic and distracting. They also discuss the random nature of weapon drops and the difficulty in understanding the differences between weapon types.
Gun Mechanics and Combat in Fortnite Compared to Other Battle Royales
The gun mechanics in Fortnite were criticized for feeling weak and "cartoony" compared to other battle royales like Warzone and Apex. While players appreciated the longer time to kill in Fortnite, they felt that the guns lacked the satisfying kick and impact of other games. The hit registry and audio effects were also mentioned as areas where Fortnite fell short.
Ranking Battle Royale Games and Discussing Fortnite's Features
The discussion revolves around ranking the main Battle Royale games - Warzone, Apex, Fortnite, and PUBG - with each participant sharing their personal preferences. They also mention some features they dislike in Fortnite, such as the parachute system and the lack of a faster landing option. Additionally, they briefly discuss the Rocket Racing and Lego Fortnite game modes, as well as other community games available in Fortnite.
Review and Placement of Fortnite on Leaderboards
In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences playing Fortnite and where they would place it on their individual leaderboards. While some had reservations about the game due to its build mode, they ultimately found it enjoyable, especially when played with friends. They discuss memorable moments in the game, such as shooting down a player hiding in a tree and throwing someone over a bathroom stall. Despite initial skepticism, they rate Fortnite fairly high on their leaderboards, with one host even admitting to liking it more than expected.
Key Points Covered
1. The Evolution of Fortnite: From Battle Royale to a Multi-Game Hub
2. Fortnite's Build Mode and Weapon Variety
3. Gun Mechanics and Combat in Fortnite Compared to Other Battle Royales
4. Ranking Battle Royale Games and Discussing Fortnite's Features
5. Review and Placement of Fortnite on Leaderboards
ENDLESS Dungeon
Steam Description:
ENDLESS™ Dungeon is a Rogue-lite Tactical Action game, set in the award-winning ENDLESS™ Universe. Recruit a team of shipwrecked heroes, plunge into a long-abandoned space station, and protect your crystal against never-ending waves of monsters… or die trying, get reloaded, and try again.
Episode Summary:
Endless Dungeon: A Unique Blend of Roguelike, Twin Stick Shooter, and Tower Defense Genres
The Video Gamers Podcast discusses their deep dive into the recently released game, Endless Dungeon. The game is praised for successfully blending the elements of a roguelike, twin stick shooter, and tower defense into a cohesive and enjoyable experience. The hosts discuss playing the game solo or in a group, with the social aspect of playing with friends being preferred. The gameplay mechanics, such as using keyboard and mouse for controls, and the ability to have multiple characters join in battles, are also highlighted.
Character System and Roguelike Elements in Endless Dungeon
In Endless Dungeon, players can choose from a variety of characters and swap between them, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. The game has a roguelike nature, where players progress through the levels of a space station, unlocking new characters as they meet certain milestones. There is no skill tree, but players can upgrade their characters by finding new weapons and completing character-specific quests. When players die, they start a new run, but can use the scrap currency earned to purchase upgrades and unlock new zones in the game.
Tower Defense Mechanics
The game requires strategic placement of towers to defend against waves of monsters. Each monster has weaknesses that can be exploited with different types of towers, which can be upgraded. Players must carefully choose where to place towers on the limited nodes in each room to create effective choke points. The game also incorporates a risk-reward system where opening doors generates resources but also increases the difficulty by unleashing more monsters. The combat is a mix of direct player damage and tower damage, with a greater emphasis on towers as the game progresses. The game includes boss fights, with the most notable being the chaotic fight against Bug Mama.
Endless Dungeon: Fun and Engaging Multiplayer Roguelike Game with Unique Mechanics
The reviewers had a great time playing Endless Dungeon, particularly enjoying the intense boss fights and the tactical combat mechanics. They found the gameplay loop to be engaging, with the ability to customize turrets and weapons to combat different enemies. While they acknowledged that there may be a point of diminishing returns in terms of longevity, they still highly recommend the game for its multiplayer co-op experience and overall enjoyment.
High Praise and a Recommendation to Check it Out
The speaker praises a multiplayer game, placing it high on their list and recommending it to listeners. They mention enjoying the strategy and fun of the game, both in co-op and solo play. They also express gratitude to supporters and promote their podcast.
Key Points Covered
1. Endless Dungeon: A Unique Blend of Roguelike, Twin Stick Shooter, and Tower Defense Genres
2. Character System and Roguelike Elements in Endless Dungeon
3. Tower Defense Mechanics and Gameplay in Balloon Tower Defense
4. Endless Dungeon: Fun and Engaging Multiplayer Roguelike Game with Unique Mechanics
5. High praise for a multiplayer game and a recommendation to check it out
Torchlight II
Steam Description:
The adventure continues in Torchlight II! An Action RPG filled with epic battles, bountiful treasure, and a fully randomized world. Bring your friends along for the journey with online and LAN multiplayer.
Episode Summary:
Torchlight II: A Diablo Clone with Unique Features
Torchlight II is an action RPG dungeon crawler that is often compared to Diablo. The game features four different classes and randomly generated dungeons. Players can choose from casual, normal, veteran, and elite difficulties. One unique feature of the game is that killed mobs do not respawn, requiring players to clear out every map to combat being underleveled.
Underleveled and Frustrated with Torchlight II's Leveling System and Story
The player expresses annoyance at the game's leveling system, which requires clearing every map and dungeon to stay on track with leveling. They feel frustrated that they have to deviate from their preferred gameplay style of focusing on quests and skipping unnecessary mobs. The player also notes that the game's story is weak and lacks interesting characters, highlighting a major difference between Torchlight II and games like Diablo. Additionally, they discuss the loot system, praising the variety of gear but expressing frustration with finding gear that they can't use and the cost of identifying unidentified items.
In-Depth Review of Torchlight II: Skill Trees and Boss Fights
The reviewer discusses their experience with Torchlight II, specifically focusing on the issues they faced with the leveling system and the skill tree. They also mention the lack of a respec option and the difficulty of boss fights compared to regular mobs. Despite these flaws, they found the boss fights enjoyable.
Torchlight II: A Generic Diablo Clone with Mindless Action and Generic Features
Torchlight II is a generic Diablo clone that offers mindless action, generic features, and a loot grind. The game has boss fights with mechanics, random dungeons, and a fishing mechanic where fish can be fed to pets to temporarily change their abilities. While the game is popular and enjoyable for some players, it lacks uniqueness and falls short compared to other games in the genre.
Torchlight II's Dated Gameplay and Lack of Surprise Factor Contribute to Lower Ranking
The hosts discuss their thoughts on Torchlight II, with one of them feeling that the game is fun but feels dated compared to more recent games in the genre. They acknowledge the nostalgia factor but believe that the game's dated aspects prevent it from being ranked higher. They also mention their disappointment with Death Loop and their preference for Resident Evil Village.
Key Points Covered
1. Torchlight II: A Diablo Clone with Unique Features
2. Underleveled and Frustrated with Torchlight II's Leveling System and Story
3. In-Depth Review of Torchlight II: Skill Trees and Boss Fights
4. Torchlight II: A Generic Diablo Clone with Mindless Action and Generic Features
5. Torchlight II's Dated Gameplay and Lack of Surprise Factor Contribute to Lower Ranking
The Witness
Steam Description:
You wake up, alone, on a strange island full of puzzles that will challenge and surprise you.
Episode Summary:
The Witness: A Puzzle Game with Intuitive Gameplay
The hosts of the Video Gamers podcast discuss their deep dive into the puzzle game "The Witness." They highlight the game's lack of tutorials and intuitive gameplay, where players are dropped into a world and must figure out the puzzles without any guidance. They also discuss the progression of complexity in the puzzles and how the game teaches players on the fly.
Puzzle mechanics and biomes in The Witness
The longer you play The Witness, the more your brain adapts to its puzzle mechanics, making the game easier over time. The puzzles in the game are not purely logic-based, but instead require players to consider perspective and visual cues. The game features different biomes, each with its own theme and set of rules for solving puzzles. However, the lack of guidance in the game can lead to players getting stuck in areas they are not yet ready for.
A Challenging Puzzle Game with Reflections, Shadows, and Light
The witness is a puzzle game that challenges players to solve puzzles using reflections, shadows, and light. The game progresses in difficulty, with puzzles becoming more complex and obstructed by objects. The game also incorporates different biomes, each with their own unique mechanics. Players can expect to spend 20 to 40 hours completing the game, with the Treehouse area being a fan favorite. However, some puzzles, such as the Tetris puzzles in the swamp area, can be frustrating for some players.
Mixed Feelings on "The Witness"
The reviewer played through "The Witness" and enjoyed the creative and unique puzzles up until the endgame content. They found the endgame puzzles to be frustrating and uncreative, relying on artificial difficulty. While they appreciated the revelation moments and hidden puzzles throughout the game, they felt that the lack of progression and binary nature of the puzzles detracted from the overall experience. They question whether the game is worth its $40 price tag compared to other cheaper puzzle games available.
Review and Ranking of "The Witness" Puzzle Game
The reviewers discuss their opinions on "The Witness," a puzzle game. They debate whether the game is worth its $40 price tag and compare it to other puzzle games. They ultimately rank it on their leaderboard, with one reviewer placing it at number 44 out of 103 games and the other ranking it around number 35. They conclude that while "The Witness" is a top-tier puzzle game, it may not be as enjoyable as other genres like open-world or RPG games.
Key Points Covered
1. The Witness: A Puzzle Game with Intuitive Gameplay
2. Puzzle mechanics and biomes in The Witness
3. A Challenging Puzzle Game with Reflections, Shadows, and Light
4. Mixed Feelings on "The Witness"
5. Review and Ranking of "The Witness" Puzzle Game
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Steam Description:
Ushering in a new era for the METAL GEAR franchise with cutting-edge technology powered by the Fox Engine, METAL GEAR SOLID V: The Phantom Pain, will provide players a first-rate gaming experience as they are offered tactical freedom to carry out open-world missions.
Episode Summary:
First Impressions of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
In the opening of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, the podcast hosts discuss their thoughts on the game's bizarre and bonkers introduction, including crawling through a hospital and encountering supernatural elements like a flaming Pegasus. They express their excitement for the game and the anticipation of seeing how one of the hosts, Josh, who is new to the Metal Gear Solid series, will react to it. They also briefly mention the gameplay mechanics of the game, such as the ability to play stealthily or go all-out action.
Navigating the Daunting World of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
The reviewers found the initial learning curve of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain to be steep and daunting, with confusion about stealth mechanics and combat strategies. However, they eventually settled into the game and appreciated the forgiving stealth mechanics and the ability to choose between stealth and combat approaches. They also praised the smart AI of the enemies and the satisfaction of successfully executing stealth takedowns. The complex and convoluted storyline was a source of confusion and frustration for the reviewers.
Overview of Gameplay Features in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
The text discusses various gameplay features in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, including the stealth mechanics, combat mechanics, base building, and the use of companions. The game allows players to employ stealth tactics such as evading enemy alerts, utilizing sandstorms for cover, and sneaking up on enemies to incapacitate them. It also features a mix of ranged and close-quarters combat, with options for tranquilizing enemies or engaging in intense gunplay. The game incorporates a base-building aspect where players recruit soldiers and extract them using balloons, which adds a humorous and satisfying element to the gameplay. Companions, such as a wolf pup and a sniper named Quiet, provide additional assistance and strategic possibilities in missions. The game also includes various items, such as a cardboard box and a cigar, that can be used for unique purposes during gameplay.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain offers deep gameplay and unexpected surprises
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a game that offers deep gameplay and unexpected surprises. The player can choose to use various items and strategies to accomplish their missions, such as using C4 traps or hiding in a cardboard box. The game also allows for exploration and discovering hidden missions and stories, making it more in-depth than it may initially seem. Despite its unique and outlandish elements, Metal Gear Solid V deserves to be recognized alongside other great games of its time.
Review of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
The reviewers discuss their experiences playing Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. They praise the gameplay loop, cinematics, voice comms, and graphics. They mention some frustrations with certain aspects of the game, but overall they highly recommend it and consider it a must-play for fans of the series. The reviewers express their nostalgia for the game and its impact on their lives. They also mention the possibility of giving away a game code for the next Force a Friend episode.
Key Points Covered
1. First Impressions of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
2. Navigating the Daunting World of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
3. Overview of Gameplay Features in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
4. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain offers deep gameplay and unexpected surprises
5. Review of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
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.