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Josh and Ben count down their top 5 games of 2020–2026 and their lists could not be more different. One brother stacked his with AAA heavy hitters like Elden Ring, God of War Ragnarok, and Baldur's Gate 3. The other went his own way with a family platformer and a racing game in the mix. Along the way: the controversy of The Last of Us Part 2, why Doom Eternal is pure fun in game form, whether Hogwarts Legacy deserves its spot, Resident Evil Requiem's horror perfection, and two very different picks for the top spot. Two brothers, ten games, and plenty to talk about. Takeaways Diverse gaming preferencesGameplay experiencePlatform exclusivity Diverse gaming preferencesImpact of storytelling on game experience Diverse genre choicesGameplay experience is a key factor Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Top 5 Games01:16 Gaming Preferences and Genre Diversity02:03 Top 5 Games: Ghost of Tsushima05:36 Top 5 Games: Hogwarts Legacy12:40 Top 5 Games: Astrobot16:13 Top 5 Games: Baldur's Gate 320:57 Gaming Preferences and Experiences21:49 The Last of Us Part 228:49 Doom Eternal38:46 Gameplay Experience and Criticisms46:04 The Appeal of Forza Horizon 550:44 Elden Ring: A Magnificent World

We dive into the world of Assassin's Creed, starting with the first game — its story, revolutionary gameplay mechanics, and the impact it had on the gaming industry. From there we trace the evolution of the entire series: the early challenges and frustrations, the introduction of new elements and historical settings, and how the formula changed over time. Along the way we explore the real history behind the games, the shift into RPG territory, and the controversies surrounding the series' portrayal of diverse characters. Takeaways Revolutionary gameplay mechanics such as free running parkour and viewpoint synchronization.The historical context and storytelling of the game set a new standard for the gaming industry. Evolution of gameplayImpact of historical settings Evolution of Assassin's CreedHistorical Settings and Controversies Chapters 00:00 The Story of Assassin's Creed17:31 Revolutionary Gameplay Mechanics19:58 Historical Context and Impact22:23 Early Challenges and Frustrations25:22 Evolution of Gameplay and Historical Settings29:31 Assassin's Creed Two and the Ezio Trilogy32:10 Assassin's Creed Three and Black Flag37:15 Unity, Rogue, and Syndicate41:29 Evolution of Assassin's Creed43:15 Historical Settings and Controversies

The conversation delves into the historical accuracy and immersive gameplay of Kingdom 2. It covers the setting, character development, combat, skill points, crafting, and the world and narrative of the game. The writing and historical accuracy are also discussed, highlighting the attention to detail and the unique experience the game offers. Takeaways Historical AccuracyImmersive Gameplay Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kingdom 205:58 Character and Storyline12:04 Combat and Weaponry18:03 World and Narrative

The conversation covers an introduction to the game Saros, understanding rogue-like gameplay, gameplay mechanics, story overview, cosmic horror elements, game length and pricing discussion, weapon variants, personal experience and game enjoyment, game difficulty and modifiers, run variability, exploration, solar eclipse mechanics, accessibility, enemy interactions, game difficulty comparison, and final thoughts and recommendation.

The conversation covers the introduction and development of Crimson Desert, the transition from MMO to single-player RPG, future projects by Pearl Abyss, initial impressions of the game, gameplay and story overview, game size and progression, AI, writing, and art in the game, controls and gameplay experience, variability and frustration in gameplay, combat and inventory management, and influences from other games. The conversation covers diverse combat and health mechanics, the game's ambition and success, varied biomes and difficulty, challenging puzzles and exploration, the game's identity and uniqueness, and the game's complexity and challenge. It emphasizes the extensive recipe system, lack of level scaling, and the intimidating yet unique experience the game offers. Takeaways Transition from MMO to single-player RPGInfluences from other games in Crimson Desert Diverse combat and health mechanicsExtensive recipe systemOverly ambitious gameMassive commercial successVaried biomes and difficultyLack of level scalingChallenging puzzlesExtensive explorationLack of game identityIntimidating yet unique experienceComplex gameplayFreedom of choice and challenge Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Crimson Desert05:07 Gameplay and Story Overview14:44 Variability and Frustration in Gameplay20:43 Combat and Health26:06 Biomes and Difficulty32:26 Game's Identity and Uniqueness39:05 Game's Complexity and Challenge

Josh and Ben discuss Nioh 3, covering the complex gameplay mechanics and Japanese influence in the game. It delves into the unusual button combinations, gameplay difficulty, character builds, combat styles, story and setting, elemental abilities, spirit guardians, gear, and exploration. The conversation covers the incentivization of map exploration through level increases and benefits, as well as the challenging nature of boss fights that require strategy and patience to overcome.

Josh and Ben delve into the world of Warhammer 40k, exploring its lore and the gameplay mechanics of Space Brains 2. It also discusses the multiplayer experience and offers some criticisms of the game. The conversation covers the customization of space marine, gameplay mechanics and classes, and the duration and experience of the campaign. The discussion delves into the details of customizing space marine, the gameplay mechanics of different classes, and the duration of the campaign, providing insights into the overall gameplay experience.

Ben and Josh discuss the newly released game Highguard, which was showcased at the Game Awards. They share their initial impressions, highlighting the game's similarities to existing titles like Apex Legends and Fortnite. The conversation delves into gameplay mechanics, design concerns, and the importance of community feedback. They also compare Highguard to other games in the industry, emphasizing the need for developers to meet higher standards and the impact of player reception on a game's success. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of Highguard and the gaming industry as a whole.

Josh and Ben delve into the intricacies of Crusader Kings 3, a grand strategy game by Paradox Interactive. They discuss the game's mechanics, character traits, and the impact of player decisions on the unfolding narrative. The conversation also touches on the historical accuracy of the game, tips for new players, and the depth of gameplay that allows for alternate historical outcomes. Josh shares his extensive experience with the game, emphasizing its complexity and the rewarding nature of mastering its systems.

In this episode, Josh and Ben discuss the highlights of the 2025 Game Awards, focusing on the standout game Clare Obscure Expedition 33, which won a record nine awards. They delve into the importance of voice acting, accessibility, and community support in gaming, as well as the anticipated releases for the coming year. The conversation emphasizes the need for quality over quantity in game development and the impact of humor and community engagement in the gaming culture.

In this episode, Ben and Josh dive into the evolution of the Call of Duty franchise, discussing its numerous releases since 2003 and the impact of games like Fortnite on its development. They explore the challenges of maintaining fresh content in the shooter genre, the role of skill-based matchmaking, and the ongoing debate about the franchise's future. Join them as they reflect on gaming nostalgia and the shifting landscape of competitive shooters.

This episode dives into the world of Battle Royale games, focusing on the unique features and gameplay mechanics of Battlefield 6. The hosts discuss the evolution of the Battle Royale genre, comparing it to other popular games like Fortnite and Warzone. They explore the strategic elements of Battlefield 6, such as class systems and weapon upgrades, and share personal experiences and strategies for success in the game. The episode also touches on the excitement and challenges of playing Battle Royale games, emphasizing the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of winning.

This episode explores the hosts' experiences with "Battlefield 6," covering both the campaign and multiplayer modes. They discuss the storyline involving NATO and Pax Armada, share insights on gameplay mechanics, and highlight the excitement of large-scale battles and vehicle interactions. The hosts also delve into weapon progression, map design, and the fun of playing with friends, ultimately expressing a positive view of the game's engaging and rewarding nature.

Join Ben and Josh as they dive into the excitement surrounding the upcoming release of "Battlefield 6." From reminiscing about past Battlefield experiences to discussing the new features and expectations for the latest installment, this episode is packed with insights and anticipation. Whether you're a seasoned Battlefield veteran or new to the franchise, this conversation will get you hyped for what's to come. Tune in to hear their thoughts on gameplay, strategy, and the future of first-person shooters. #Battlefield6 #GamingPodcast #FPS

Join Ben and Josh as they embark on a fun-filled journey into the world of video games. In this introductory episode, the brothers discuss their motivations for starting the podcast, reminisce about their first gaming experiences, and share their excitement for upcoming titles like Battlefield 6 and GTA. With a mix of humor and nostalgia, they invite listeners to engage with them and help shape future episodes. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just curious, this podcast promises a casual and entertaining dive into gaming culture. Tune in and be part of the conversation!