The Besties

Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick
  • 4.9 (4.8K)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Besties

It's Game of the Year meets King of the Hill as four of Earth's best friends – Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Chris Plante, and Russ Frushtick – rank and review their favorite video games. Because shouldn't the world's best friends pick the world's best games?

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    The Pirate Yakuza Game Has Something for Everyone – Even Newcomers

    Ahoy, besties! This week, the crew sets sails with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, a video game that’s as silly as its name suggests. Unlike its predecessor — our best game of 2024 — this entry features a new(ish) protagonist, old-school action combat, and a potpourri of new min-games that borrow from a wide range of Besties favorites, including Cooking Mama and Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag. Note from Plante: Last week’s description said Obsidian, the developer of Avowed, had previously made Fallout 76. It should have said Fallout: New Vegas. Sometimes I only have a chance to write the description/newsletter late, late, late in the night before we publish an episode — not an excuse, just an explanation. Needless to say, the mistake was human error and not the result of my co-hosts replacing me with a Content Bot.

    55 min

  2. FEB 14

    Is Avowed Too Good for Our Brains to Comprehend?

    The Besties discuss Avowed, the new game from Fallout 76 developer Obsidian. It is extremely our shit. Perhaps… too much so? What does that even mean? Listen to find out!

    1 hr

  3. FEB 7

    The Best Combat in a Metroidvania . . .Ever

    2025 already has a fantastic Metroidvania, errrr, Search Action game! Ender Magnolia combines Metroid, Nier, Mega Man, and Pokémon into a single, beautiful 2D experience. Technically, this is a sequel, but no prior experience is required to enjoy this indie treat. In the back half, Griffin talks about his mixed experience with Civilization 7.

    59 min

  4. JAN 31

    Citizen Sleeper 2 Blends Game and Story Into One Complex Dish

    We loved the original Citizen Sleeper, but were intimidated when we first heard the news of a sequel that would be more complicated — and presumably more difficult. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is just as complex as we expected and yet, once we got our feet beneath us, we couldn't stop playing. What makes a game difficult? Is it fun to lose? What does it mean to be “in the mood” for a game? We have the answers! Plus, Loco Motive — an extremely Justin McElroy game.

    49 min

  5. JAN 24

    The Switch 2 and "Vampire Survivors+RPG"

    Nintendo finally announced the Switch 2. So why do folks seem a bit disappointed by the reveal? We discuss what we know so far… and what’s to come. Plus, one of our most anticipated games of the year got stealth dropped and it’s a delight!

    1h 3m

  6. JAN 17

    How to Get Started in Handheld Gaming with Retro Game Corps

    Special guest Russ from Retro Game Corps teaches The Besties how to get into retro gaming handhelds. Here's you chance to become obsessed with the hobby! Plus, we finally catch up with Indiana Jones. For more Retro Gaming check out the channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RetroGameCorps

    58 min

  7. JAN 10

    The Most Anticipated Games of 2025

    In the world of video games, 2025 will be an incredible year. The Besties collect over 25 games they can't wait to play in the coming months. We promise there's something here for you! And to think: we still don't know what will launch on the Switch. Well, maybe Frushtick knows.

    1h 2m

  8. JAN 3

    Our Big Predictions for Video Games in 2025

    Frushtick and Plante’s annual predictions episode returns. They revisit their predictions from January 2024, crown a winner, and draft new predictions for the year to come. Here’s your chance to know the future!

    58 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
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About

It's Game of the Year meets King of the Hill as four of Earth's best friends – Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Chris Plante, and Russ Frushtick – rank and review their favorite video games. Because shouldn't the world's best friends pick the world's best games?

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2025
  • Episodes
    436
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    The Besties

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