Podcast Summary
Answering audience questions and discussing gaming predictions: The hosts answered listener questions and shared their gaming predictions for the year, encouraging listeners to become Maximum Fund members for exclusive bonus content.
During this episode of Triple Click, the hosts answered burning questions from their audience, discussed their gaming predictions for the year, and shared their excitement for the upcoming bonus episode on Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye. They encouraged listeners to become Maximum Fund members to access exclusive bonus content, including a spoiler cast on the game. The hosts also mentioned their personal gaming plans for the upcoming year and their thoughts on the recent release of Echoes of the Eye, which they highly recommend playing before listening to the bonus episode. Overall, the episode showcased the hosts' passion for gaming and their dedication to providing engaging content for their audience.
The Impact of Deadlines on Video Game Reviews: Deadlines for video game reviews can lead to incomplete assessments and potential inaccuracies. Considering the benefits of additional playtime, implementing a delay in publishing professional reviews could improve their quality.
The process of reviewing video games involves receiving advanced copies from publishers, sometimes with limitations and caveats, in order to meet deadlines for publication. Alan, a listener, raised concerns about the impact of these deadlines on the quality and accuracy of reviews, citing examples of games with criticized elements that improved with additional playtime. The Metacritic platform blocks user reviews for a few days to encourage thorough playthroughs, but Alan suggested that this practice could also be applied to professional reviews. Kirk shared insights into the review process, explaining how PR reps provide codes and review guides, often with embargoes and technical issues to navigate. The discussion highlighted the potential tension between meeting deadlines and providing thoughtful, accurate reviews.
Publishers, reviewers, and review embargoes: A complex relationship: Embargoes control info flow but can hinder complete understanding, smaller publications face pressure to publish under embargo for Metacritic, ultimate goal is to provide valuable insights for players.
The relationship between publishers, reviewers, and review embargoes is a complex and imperfect process. Publishers often impose embargoes to control the flow of information and ensure a coordinated release of reviews. However, this can result in reviewers not having a complete understanding of a game when the embargo lifts. Some publications may choose to delay their reviews or publish in-progress pieces. This process is more feasible for larger publications with dedicated readerships that aren't as reliant on day-one traffic. For smaller publications or those heavily reliant on Metacritic, this can create a dysfunctional system. The use of review scores adds to the pressure on reviewers to provide definitive assessments under tight deadlines. Despite the issues with scores and embargoes, they remain essential components of the review process for many. It's important to remember that the ultimate goal of a game review is to provide valuable insights and information to help players make informed decisions.
Embargo system in video game journalism: Balancing thorough evaluations and publisher interests: Embargo system in gaming journalism offers benefits like managing expectations and ensuring fair coverage, but can result in incomplete assessments. Finding a balance between thorough evaluations and publisher interests is crucial.
The embargo system in video game journalism is a complex issue with pros and cons. The time constraint for reviews can lead to incomplete assessments, as was the case with Cyberpunk 2077's console version, which received a positive score based on the mainline quests but had numerous issues discovered later. However, the embargo is a crucial tool for publishers to manage expectations and ensure fair coverage. Games like Persona 5, which are released well before the embargo, allow reviewers more time to explore and write detailed reviews. The solution to this challenge lies in earlier release of review copies or more lenient deadlines from publications. Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance that allows for thorough evaluations while respecting the interests of both publishers and consumers.
Pressure to meet Metacritic deadlines affects game journalism: Metacritic deadlines can lead to unsustainable work environments, but expanding game discourse through podcasts, YouTube, and Twitch offers a more authentic and enjoyable approach to discussing games.
The pressure to adhere to Metacritic day 1 embargos and churn out reviews quickly can lead to an unsustainable work environment for game journalists. This pressure can result in long hours, burnout, and a lack of depth in reviews. However, the expansion of video game critical discourse through various media platforms like podcasts, YouTube, and Twitch offers a more relaxed and human approach to discussing games. This model allows for a more authentic and enjoyable conversation about games, which ultimately benefits both the creators and the audience. While it may be challenging for smaller outlets to resist the allure of Metacritic traffic, striving for a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to game criticism can lead to a more engaged and loyal audience.
Drug-induced open world game sequences: Breaking up the action and adding creativity: Drug sequences in open world games provide a chance for developers to showcase new assets and explore supernatural elements, but can also be seen as a crutch for writers to create new content within grounded game settings.
Many open world triple A games incorporate extended drug or hallucinogenic sections to break up the action and add creativity to the gameplay experience. These sequences often provide an opportunity for developers to showcase new assets and explore supernatural and psychedelic elements, which can be both tiresome and amazing for players. The use of drugs as a narrative device is a common trope in video games, as it taps into the self-absorbed hero mold and allows players to interact with NPCs and environments in unique ways. However, it can also be seen as a crutch for writers to create new and exciting content within semi-realistic or grounded game settings. Ultimately, these sequences serve to heighten the video game experience by immersing players in surreal and fantastical worlds.
Exploring altered states in video games for storytelling: Effective use of altered states in games can reveal new info, explore character psyche, subvert expectations, but it's crucial to avoid cliches and ensure quality execution to maintain player engagement and immersion.
The use of altered states, whether through drugs or dream sequences, in video games can be an effective tool for storytelling and character development. Games like Arkham Asylum, Control, Spec Ops: The Line, and Silent Hill 2 have used this technique in creative ways to reveal new information, explore a character's psyche, and even subvert expectations. However, it's important to avoid falling into cliches and ensure that these sequences are well-executed to maintain player engagement and immersion. As Maddie Myers, a game development consultant, advises, "Just do it, but good." By focusing on quality, game developers can create memorable and impactful moments that leave a lasting impression on players.
Exploring JRPGs for Beginners: Finding the Right Balance: Start with simpler JRPGs like Kingdom Hearts or Persona 5, or consider classic titles like Final Fantasy X or Dragon Quest 11. Tales series offers an action-oriented approach. Find a game that suits your preferences and learning pace.
Discovering new genres of video games, particularly JRPGs, can be a challenge for beginners due to their complexity. However, there are ways to find beginner-friendly games and gradually get accustomed to the genre. Some recommendations for newcomers to JRPGs include games with simpler mechanics, such as Kingdom Hearts or Persona 5. These games offer a balance between JRPG elements and accessibility, making them great starting points. Additionally, classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy X and Dragon Quest 11 can also be good choices for those who prefer a more traditional experience. Another series to consider is Tales, which offers a more action-oriented approach to JRPGs and can be a good fit for those who enjoy anime. Ultimately, the key is to find a game that resonates with the player's preferences and offers a gradual learning curve.
Exploring JRPG options for newcomers: Consider personal preferences when choosing a JRPG as a newcomer. Anime fans might enjoy Tales of Her Eyes, while those new to Japanese media may prefer The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky. Turn-based fans could try Fire Emblem 3 Houses, while those seeking smoother gameplay might prefer Final Fantasy 7 Remake or CrossCode.
For newcomers to Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), there are several options to consider based on individual preferences. Tales of Her Eyes, voiced by Ray Chase, is a good starting point for anime fans. For those new to Japanese media, the game's hammy acting and anime style might not appeal. Instead, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, with its solid turn-based battle system and immersive story, could be a better fit. For those already familiar with turn-based games or strategy titles, Fire Emblem 3 Houses could be a good stepping stone. However, for beginners who prefer smoother gameplay, action RPGs like Final Fantasy 7 Remake or CrossCode could be a better introduction to JRPGs. Turn-based combat is not for everyone, and some games, like Trails in the Sky, Persona, and Bravely Default 2, offer unique spins on the genre to make it more engaging. Ultimately, there are numerous options for JRPG newcomers, and it's essential to consider personal preferences before making a choice.
Finding relaxation through different types of games: Explore various games to find one that puts you in a flow state and helps you unwind, such as open-world games, low-impact phone games, strategy games, or even quirky options like Can I Pet Your Dog?
Different people find different types of games relaxing. Some enjoy open-world Ubisoft games, while others prefer low-impact phone games. Kirk and Manny shared their personal experiences, with Kirk finding relaxation in games like Outer Wilds and Ghost of Tsushima, and Manny preferring simple, focusing games like Tetris and Bejeweled. They also mentioned older strategy games like Alpha Centauri and Colonization as options for relaxation. Ultimately, the key is to find a game that puts you in a flow state and helps you unwind. And in case you're wondering, Can I Pet Your Dog? may not be well-researched, but it's all in good fun!
Comparing Lighthearted Podcasts and Immersive Games: Podcasts like Can I Pet Your Dog and We Got This offer stress-free discussions, while games like Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy deliver immersive experiences with extensive dialogue and character interactions.
The Can I Pet Your Dog podcast and We Got This with Mark and Hal offer listeners a break from heavy research and debates, instead providing enthusiastic discussions on fun, subjective topics with occasional special guest appearances. Meanwhile, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy game, as Maddie shared, offers an immersive experience with extensive dialogue and character interactions, but Maddie personally found the constant talking and combat challenges overwhelming. Overall, these shows and games cater to different preferences, with the former focusing on lighthearted, stress-free discussions and the latter delivering an engaging, dialogue-heavy gaming experience.
Enjoyable combat and dialogue in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: The game's engaging combat and amusing dialogue, even with some repetition and hit-or-miss lines, make Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy an enjoyable experience.
The combat and dialogue in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy are key elements that make the game enjoyable for the speaker, despite some hit-or-miss lines and repetitive enemies. The combat is fun and engaging, and the dialogue, while not always hilarious, contains some great one-liners that even non-gamers find amusing. The puzzles are simple, but they're not the focus of the game, which is more about the narrative and character interactions. The speaker also shares his experience with playing Death Stranding for the third time on PS5, highlighting the game's unique headspace and the improved performance on the new console. Overall, both games offer unique experiences that are worth exploring, despite their quirks.
Exploring unique gaming experiences: 'Death Stranding' and 'Elechead' offer immersive games with innovative uses of technology, inspiring a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.
"Death Stranding" is an intriguing and immersive experience that offers a unique sense of accomplishment as players traverse a hostile landscape and build connections. The game's innovative use of the DualSense controller adds to the immersion, making every step feel significant. The game's story and moment-to-moment challenges have captured the speaker's attention, inspiring them to keep playing despite the frustration. Additionally, recommendations from trusted sources, such as friends and gaming publications, have led the speaker to discover and enjoy other games, like Elechead, which provides a relaxing and fun puzzle-platforming experience. Overall, these games offer unique experiences that engage players and provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Discussing Ghost of Tsushima: Legends and previewing The Outer Worlds: The hosts shared their enthusiasm for Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, highlighting its unique gameplay features, and announced plans to discuss The Outer Worlds on the next episode.
During this week's episode, the hosts discussed their experiences playing the PC game "Ghost of Tsushima: Legends." They shared their excitement about the game's unique features, such as the ability to throw an electrified head at walls. The hosts also mentioned that they would be discussing The Outer Worlds on the next episode for their membership base. They reminded listeners that Triple Click is produced by Jason Schreier, Manny Myers, and Kirk Hamilton, and that some of the games and products they discuss may have been provided for free for review consideration. They encouraged listeners to support the show by becoming members at maximumfund.org/join and provided links to their social media and email. The episode ended with a reminder that they would return next week in November. Triple Click is a part of the Maximum Fund Podcast Network and prides itself on being comedy and culture, artist-owned, and audience-supported.
