Reviewing the GOATs: Mario Galaxy 2, Nier: Automata, Dark Souls - Kinda Funny Gamescast
Digest
The Kind of Funny Gamescast episode kicks off with sponsor messages and a dive into Nintendo's unique game design, particularly focusing on the humorous and personality-driven simulation of Tomodachi Life. The hosts then transition to a passionate review of Mario Galaxy 2, hailing it as a top-tier 3D Mario experience. The discussion broadens to encompass the Wii era's gaming landscape and notable titles. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to an in-depth analysis of Dark Souls 1, praising its world design and influence, while also noting its rushed final area. The conversation culminates in a glowing review of Nier: Automata, lauded as a generational masterpiece for its philosophical depth, innovative storytelling through multiple endings, exceptional soundtrack, and engaging gameplay developed by PlatinumGames. The hosts also address viewer super chats, recommending various games and sharing their thoughts on their potential inclusion in a "Top 100" list.
Outlines
Introduction, Nintendo Quirks, and Tomodachi Life
The podcast begins with sponsor messages and an exploration of Nintendo's unique game design, focusing on the humorous and personality-driven simulation of Tomodachi Life, including discussions on character glitches and creative ideas for other Nintendo titles.
Mario's Persona, Game Animations, and Top 100 Preparations
The hosts discuss Mario's perceived personality, Nintendo's quirky design philosophy, character animations, avatar fashion, and preparations for their upcoming "Top 100" games event, including venue logistics and audience engagement.
Top 100 Event Update and Game Reviews: Mario Galaxy 2
An update on the Top 100 live event is provided, followed by a passionate review of Mario Galaxy 2, declared the best 3D Mario game for its imaginative concepts, creative level design, and overall fun factor, contrasting it with Super Mario Sunshine.
The Wii Era, Deep Cuts, and Missed Opportunities
The conversation shifts to the Wii era, reminiscing about its unique games, the ease of illicit gaming, and highlighting lesser-known titles like The Last Story and No More Heroes, while also reflecting on significant omissions like Xenoblade Chronicles.
Super Chats, Game Recommendations, and Dark Souls 1 Deep Dive
The hosts address super chats, discussing potential "Top 100" contenders like FromSoftware games, Final Fantasy 10, and horror titles. They then delve into Dark Souls 1, praising its interconnected world design, secrets, and foundational impact on the Souls-like genre, while acknowledging the rushed final area.
Nier: Automata - A Generational Masterpiece
Nier: Automata is lauded as a generational masterpiece for its thematic depth, storytelling, and unique gameplay mechanics. The year 2017 is celebrated as a great year for games, and the hosts discuss Nier: Automata's narrative, endings, action, hacking, and side quests.
PlatinumGames, Nier: Automata's Soundtrack, and Emotional Impact
The discussion highlights Platinum Games' excellence, focusing on Nier: Automata's gameplay, soundtrack, and layered story. The emotional impact and artistry of Nier: Automata are explored, especially in the context of current AI advancements.
Game Scoring, Super Chat Discussions, and Episode Wrap-up
The hosts begin assigning scores to discussed games, with Nier: Automata and Mario Galaxy 2 receiving perfect scores. They respond to viewer super chats, discussing various games like Neoreplicant, Hitman, and Half-Life 2, and conclude the episode with mentions of Dishonored and Final Fantasy X.
Keywords
Tomodachi Life
A life simulation game developed by Nintendo where players create Mii characters and manage their virtual lives, leading to humorous and unexpected interactions.
Nintendo
A multinational consumer electronics and video game company known for its iconic franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon, and its innovative approach to game design.
Mario Galaxy 2
A critically acclaimed 3D platformer developed by Nintendo, praised for its imaginative level design, creative gameplay mechanics, and challenging yet fun experience.
Dark Souls 1
A seminal action RPG developed by FromSoftware, renowned for its challenging combat, intricate world design, deep lore, and foundational role in the Souls-like genre.
Nier: Automata
An action RPG developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, celebrated for its philosophical themes, unique narrative structure, and stylish combat.
Souls-like
A subgenre of action RPGs characterized by challenging combat, intricate level design, and often cryptic storytelling, inspired by FromSoftware's Dark Souls series.
Video Game Nostalgia
The emotional connection players have to older video games, often revisited for comfort, fond memories, or to appreciate their historical significance and impact on gaming.
PlatinumGames
A Japanese video game developer renowned for its high-octane action games. They are celebrated for their distinctive combat systems, stylish presentation, and collaborations on titles like Bayonetta, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, and Nier: Automata.
Game Soundtracks
The musical score of a video game, crucial for setting the mood, enhancing gameplay, and creating memorable experiences. Nier: Automata's soundtrack is frequently cited as one of the best in gaming history.
Multiple Endings
A narrative design choice in video games where player actions or choices lead to different conclusions. Nier: Automata utilizes this extensively to deliver a complex and evolving story across its various playthroughs.
Q&A
What makes Tomodachi Life stand out in Nintendo's game library?
Tomodachi Life is known for its quirky and often humorous simulation of Mii characters' lives, leading to unexpected and entertaining scenarios that showcase Nintendo's playful side.
Why is Mario Galaxy 2 considered a top-tier 3D Mario game?
Mario Galaxy 2 is praised for its exceptional creativity in level design, introducing novel concepts and mechanics consistently throughout the game, making it a highly imaginative and fun experience.
What is the significance of Dark Souls 1 in the gaming landscape?
Dark Souls 1 is a foundational title for the Souls-like genre, lauded for its interconnected world design, challenging gameplay, and deep lore, influencing countless games that followed.
What are the key strengths of Nier: Automata?
Nier: Automata excels in its philosophical storytelling, unique narrative structure that encourages multiple playthroughs, stylish action combat, and masterful use of the video game medium to convey its themes.
How did the Wii era influence gaming, and what are some notable titles?
The Wii era introduced motion controls and a focus on accessible gameplay, with titles like Mario Galaxy 1 & 2, The Last Story, and No More Heroes showcasing its unique library and innovative spirit.
What are the main criticisms of Dark Souls 1's development?
The primary criticism of Dark Souls 1 is its final area, Lost Izalith, which is widely considered rushed due to time and budget constraints, lacking the polish and design found in the rest of the game.
What makes Nier: Automata stand out among other games?
Nier: Automata is praised for its exceptional gameplay combining hack-and-slash and shooting, a deeply philosophical and layered story revealed through multiple endings, and one of the most acclaimed video game soundtracks ever created.
Why is PlatinumGames considered a top developer?
PlatinumGames is renowned for its mastery of action game design, consistently delivering titles with fluid, stylish combat, and impressive visual flair. Their portfolio includes hits like Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
How do the multiple endings in Nier: Automata enhance the story?
The endings in Nier: Automata are not just alternate conclusions but integral parts of the narrative. Each subsequent playthrough adds layers of context, character development, and plot revelations, transforming the player's understanding of the game's world and events.
What is the significance of game soundtracks in modern gaming?
Game soundtracks are vital for immersion, emotional impact, and creating a memorable player experience. Titles like Nier: Automata demonstrate how an exceptional score can elevate a game to masterpiece status, becoming a key selling point and a source of lasting appeal.
Show Notes
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Run of Show -
- Start
- Topic of the Show:Reviewing the GOATS/Top 100 Check-in
- Mario Galaxy 2
- Final Fantasy 10
- Ads
- Dark Souls
- Nier Automata
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