TheBesties / The Besties holiday recommendation swap

Oh shit I just saw this response - thanks!! Hope you like it! Funny story this film was actually inspired by the tragedy of NY Giraffe but all the names have been changed out of respect for the survivors, Fargo style

matt vesely

2025-01-05 13:01:13 +0000 UTC

When Evil Lurks (2023).

Fry Guy

2025-01-05 06:16:18 +0000 UTC

Not sure if they're indie movies, but I really enjoyed No One Will Save You (2023), Underwater (2020), and Aniara (2019). I don't want to leave any kind of description as some people like to go into movies blind, though I should mention none of these are light hearted movies.

Fry Guy

2025-01-05 06:11:02 +0000 UTC

Not a cozy game, but a chill, slow paced, 2d (sci-fi horror) game I really enjoyed was Carrion.

Fry Guy

2025-01-05 05:52:07 +0000 UTC

I would have him look at any of the dishonored or fallout games.

Fry Guy

2025-01-05 05:48:52 +0000 UTC

Some of my year recs: Movie: Saw some great spooky movies in October- most notable to recommend are Kill, Baby…Kill!, The Blob (‘88), and Cure. Book: Kafka’s The Lost Writings. Perfect dreamlike beach read if want just fragments of stories and ideas vs a novel Video game: I just finished Tactical Breach Wizards and man, what a cool and confident game! Also Summerhouse, if you want more games like Tiny Glade in your life Music: All I listened to was NewJeans this year so oops. Check them out, even if you’re reluctant to dip a toe into kpop (try ‘Ditto’, ‘How Sweet’ or just the 1st EP front to back)

melanee

2025-01-03 17:40:43 +0000 UTC

I really recommend the book Sandfuture by Justin Beal. It's a biography of Minoru Yamasaki, the architect behind, as the back cover says, "two buildings that were destroyed on national television, the World Trade Center and the Pruitt-Igoe apartments". It's also a meditation on the author's life as an architect and the stories intertwine around experiences in New York City. You'll learn stuff about architecture, New York zoning and what an odd and divisive thing the original towers were, but it's written in a very beautiful way that also engaged my literary side. It's a bit of a tragedy. It's really a unique work and I want to know more stuff like it!

Nate Stevens

2025-01-03 12:19:54 +0000 UTC

Ooh a Tchaikovsky rec beyond Children of Time? I heard from a friend his other books are kind of a letdown after CoT so imma try this!

Nate Stevens

2025-01-03 12:15:47 +0000 UTC

It's not quite directly in line, but Flight Sim is a pretty darn Dad-friendly game.

Nate Stevens

2025-01-03 12:13:06 +0000 UTC

Thanks to all for the wonderful recs that will make my 2025 winter fun!! I recommend the movie M (1933). a very eerie thriller movie with remarkable acting for the time that plays with the early introduction of sound into film.

soapy hiss

2025-01-02 13:19:07 +0000 UTC

For All Mankind seems to have flown under about everyone's radar, but I ate it up. Alternate history space race (what if the Russians got to the moon first)? that spans about a decade per season - hoping for s5 release date soon!

Theresa

2025-01-02 01:11:50 +0000 UTC

A little older, but just in case since you didn't mention it - Ori and the Blind Forest/Ori and the Will of the Wisps are still among my favorites.

Theresa

2025-01-02 01:07:38 +0000 UTC

Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is a great multiplayer game (especially if you're LOTR fans)!

Theresa

2025-01-02 01:04:02 +0000 UTC

This was my podcast of the year for 2024. if you enjoyed it, watch "Turn Every Page", the 2022 documentary about the collaboration between Caro and his editor, Robert Gottlieb.

Peter Haderlein

2025-01-01 20:40:29 +0000 UTC

I really enjoyed Leap Year as a platformer that's brain heavy rather than actiony

Sir Robert Cashew

2025-01-01 19:16:18 +0000 UTC

BG3 jumps out as the obvious modern pick from that list. Manor Lords might be a good pick to satisfy the medieval management sim itch, Diablo IV was great for me as a kid who grew up with the original. Spyro and Tomb Raider lend themselves to trying the modern iterations of TR or some of the many indies currently dabbling in old-school platforming like Lunistice.

Sir Robert Cashew

2025-01-01 19:14:59 +0000 UTC

I intend to start this this year by coincidence! I recently caught up on his LBJ life project of books (🤞 hope this is finished before he exits this mortal coil). His eye-poppingly exhaustive thoroughness and knack for driving a theme home by repetition in the midst of the bottomless accounting is a once in a lifetime gift. Truly unlike any historical works I've read.

Sir Robert Cashew

2025-01-01 19:05:41 +0000 UTC

My dad built a PC for Christmas and I'm trying to think of game recommendations for him. He introduced me to games as a kid through Spyro, Morrowind and Halo CE. He's always stayed up to date with Xbox and I know back in the day he had AoE2, BG2, Diablo, Tomb Raider & Thief installed on our family computer but hasnt touched PC gaming since that era. Any good recommendations of newer games that build upon that foundation? My current thoughts are recommending Wrath of the Righteous and BG3 but I'm sure there are more games that would also be good recommendations. Thanks!

Brandon Sommers

2024-12-30 15:19:22 +0000 UTC

At first there was so much going on I was overwhelmed, but now I’m totally hooked on Nikki. Currently twiddling my thumbs waiting for the devs to be finished with the 1.1 update!

Hollie

2024-12-29 22:56:07 +0000 UTC

Just gonna throw Songs of Conquest out there. I finished dozens of games this year including most goty contenders and Songs is still my #1 of the year. Dev team is super cool and are still releasing content. Coming from a massive homm3 fan, it's like a heroes of might and magic game with a lot of great mechanical improvements, incredible art style, best OST of the year, and a world and story that actually make sense. Real shame it's gotten such little recognition

rylander

2024-12-29 09:12:59 +0000 UTC

If you liked Samsara, I'd definitely recommend watching Koyaanisqatsi. Its by a different director, but the director of Samsara (Ron Fricke) was in charge of cinematography. Very much in that same "chill/existential and introspective/surprisingly human/cinematography and music driven documentary". It's from the 80s so the images themselves are a little dated, but I think it very much holds up. Philip Glass composed the soundtrack. Similar themes to Samsara but more of a sustainability/human impact focus. It's one of my all-time favorites movies ever, and part of what pushed me to focus on sustainability in my work life.

August Rulewich

2024-12-28 01:41:47 +0000 UTC

I'll second Spiritfarer! Cute and fun, surprisingly heartfelt, definitely in the "Stardew Valley Adjacent" genre.

August Rulewich

2024-12-28 01:34:32 +0000 UTC

I'm late to the thread, but I'd love some reccs for games similar to Unicorn Overlord on Switch or PC. I'm totally hooked, bummed it didn't win GOTY in the category it was nominated for. I've been playing FE3H but the time in the monastery takes away from the enjoyable combat. Or really any reccs for party-based JRPG's/SRPG's! FFXII is my all-time fav game.

Bianca

2024-12-27 17:42:40 +0000 UTC

100% Mutazione! Coffee Talk is also a great short, cozy narrative game in the visual novel realm. I'm not sure if it's totally what you're looking for, but Factory Town on lower difficulty win conditions is very cozy for me. Pretty much infinite replayability.

Bianca

2024-12-27 17:35:10 +0000 UTC

Just in case you want to keep the Christmas vibes going https://store.steampowered.com/app/2450860/Lake__Seasons_Greetings/

Chris

2024-12-27 16:43:43 +0000 UTC

Excellent rec!

Chris

2024-12-27 16:41:57 +0000 UTC

Spiritfarer and Mutazione if you want story. And Fields of Mistria if you want farming/life sim!

Chris

2024-12-27 16:41:12 +0000 UTC

I’ll check that one out! A buddy of mine likes Sanderson and recommended the Mistborn series, but I’ve heard great things about SA!

EtherEli

2024-12-27 15:00:05 +0000 UTC

I’m glad to hear! I only ever watched the movie of The Martian but I think I started the ebook for PHM around when it came out and was interested but didn’t stick to it. I’m looking for recommendations of not just good books though but of audiobooks that take advantage of their format, so if this is that, I’ll check it out!

EtherEli

2024-12-27 14:59:00 +0000 UTC

might be a little late but does anyone have any recs for 2d videogames w/ minimal skill/speed requirements? Looking for a game that's on the slow and cozy side, like Star dew valley/ac/etc. can be older!

soapy hiss

2024-12-27 12:42:00 +0000 UTC

I always want to recommend this anime, since it is so relatable: - Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan Wonderfully dark humor and silliness. "On TV, Uramichi is a cheerful exercise instructor for a children's show, but in reality, he's a depressed and miserable man. His gloomy nature sometimes breaks through his facade, frightening the children. The children's honesty also sends him spiraling by reminding him of his own bleak life"

Bret Scofield

2024-12-27 04:13:35 +0000 UTC

if you’re still looking for a holiday game, i actually just started shenmue for this exact reason!

vince

2024-12-27 01:27:13 +0000 UTC

I didn't even know Muir wrote a novella outside the locked tomb series, I'm stoked to check it out. Seconding that Moira Quirk is amazing; she's one of those narrators that elevates the text. Her performance in Nona the Ninth absolutely made that book for me.

Nick Jimenez

2024-12-26 21:58:14 +0000 UTC

It was sooo worth it J and sid are obsessed with this other I believe in Santa Claus movie and I am soooo looking forward to it tonight!

micah phagan

2024-12-26 21:54:32 +0000 UTC

Always gonna take any opportunity to plug the Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir (and the reread podcast One Flesh One End) - but honestly her shorter works also slap if TLT is too much for folks. Floralinda and the Forty Flight tower is out of print but the audiobook is very well done (Moira Quirk is amazing) Also - Murderbot Murderbot Murderbot

Mk

2024-12-26 14:08:20 +0000 UTC

If you looking for heartwarming and wholesome, I would recommend the anime Natsume Yuujinchou or Natsume Book of Friends. It already has a ton of seasons, and it’s pretty episodic, which is nice if you just want to pick at it.

Anna

2024-12-26 12:51:56 +0000 UTC

This is such a fun idea! If anyone wants a year long project, they should read the Power Broker by Robert Caro and follow along with the 99% Invisible podcast series on it. Since the book is about 1200 pages, they released an episode every month covering 100 pages this year. It’s a beast of a book but so worth it & the two host, Roman Mars and Elliott Kalan (of Flop House podcast), are so delightful.

Anna

2024-12-26 12:45:09 +0000 UTC

I came here to rec infinity Nikki, so I'm super happy someone else here has been enjoying it!

Sunny Liu

2024-12-26 06:39:36 +0000 UTC

For anyone who loves cute twee aesthetics and wandering around an open world just exploring and picking flowers: Infinity Nikki.

Sunny Liu

2024-12-26 06:15:54 +0000 UTC

Completely agree, literally my all time favourite, been watching it with my family since i was way too young to watch it. on a quest to find anything that can compare!

Hila SketchCat Shats

2024-12-26 04:15:34 +0000 UTC

If you haven't seen Notting Hill, run don't walk! It's genuinely funny and charming. The goat of that era of romcoms IMO

Amanda

2024-12-26 02:53:57 +0000 UTC

Seconding Children of Time!

Amanda

2024-12-26 02:17:50 +0000 UTC

If you like sci-fi, one of my favorite audiobooks ever is Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Hard science stuff tempered with empathy and humor, which the narrator does an awesome job with. And without spoiling, there are certain elements of the story that are just better in audio form.

Amanda

2024-12-26 02:10:35 +0000 UTC

Also Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky! Fascinating and heartfelt, one of my favorite sci-fi novels.

Amanda

2024-12-26 02:06:40 +0000 UTC

If you like survival craft type games, I've had an awesome time playing Grounded and Raft with friends. Done two complete Grounded playthroughs with different groups in fact. Building a base together is v collaborative.

Amanda

2024-12-26 02:00:42 +0000 UTC

Trine is a GREAT recc for this. I played Trine 4 with two friends and had a blast.

Amanda

2024-12-26 01:58:13 +0000 UTC

I'm a huge fan of co-op games, especially Overcooked 2, Moving Out, and Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime. Spiritfarer is also fun (but more emotional), and Baldur's Gate 3 has been v fun to play with friends. Palworld is also surprisingly good as a multiplayer game

itsmethuy

2024-12-25 21:07:08 +0000 UTC

I would recommend Invincible Fight Girl. It's on Max and just finished up the first season. It's also only 10 episodes. Really brings me back to Saturday morning cartoons and it's very fun. The premise is imagine if the world was entirely obsessed with DBZ-esque wrestling.

Kevin E

2024-12-25 14:26:26 +0000 UTC

Which one are you referencing? Thank you !

Michael George

2024-12-25 03:34:24 +0000 UTC

I’m in love with her, if you like musicals listen to the waitress. She’s so fucking good

Brad MacDonald

2024-12-25 03:09:37 +0000 UTC

I cannot with Animal Well. I tried but it is not for me.

ames

2024-12-25 02:39:28 +0000 UTC

I have recently rediscovered Sara Bareilles and wondered how I’d forgotten about her for literally decades.

ames

2024-12-25 02:38:41 +0000 UTC

Sci-fi from the 90s and early 2000s is generally solid. BABYLON 5–the first season is good, but it takes off in Season Two and is one of the best shows I have ever seen. You have to watch Season One (and again, it’s not the strongest) because there is a lot of payoff in later seasons.

ames

2024-12-25 02:36:51 +0000 UTC

Book rec: The Storied Life of AJ Fikry—one of my most favorite books of my life. Game to zone out to: Infinity Nikki. Twee and very loli but also fun for something to do while you wait for something else. A friend: “I just beat a boss battle. In a fashion game. What is life.” (Unrelated, I am playing “We’re so glad you’re here” and I’m what universe is this a kid’s game, hahahaha omg)

ames

2024-12-25 02:34:35 +0000 UTC

I have thoroughly enjoyed (and now finished) the SPQR series by John Maddox Roberts. Also good: The Night Circus and I always ALWAYS recommend The Storied Life of AJ Fikry. Wonderful wonderful book.

ames

2024-12-25 02:28:18 +0000 UTC

Gris?

ames

2024-12-25 02:25:13 +0000 UTC

The Dragon Prince is EXCELLENT, highly recommend.

ames

2024-12-25 02:24:31 +0000 UTC

I thought Departures (the Japanese movie with the cellist on the cover) was visually beautiful and just gorgeous in general.

ames

2024-12-25 02:23:54 +0000 UTC

Hazel is the best!

ran

2024-12-25 01:51:55 +0000 UTC

I just finished the audiobook for We Solve Murders by Richard Osman and absolutely loved it

Doctor Doomscroll

2024-12-25 01:35:37 +0000 UTC

This one for sure, it’s like Friesen but more wholesome a a bit less nostalgic.

Sandy Archer

2024-12-25 01:34:41 +0000 UTC

I've always been hesitant playing online multiplayer and just the thought of turning my mic on gives me anxiety, lol. But with that said, I had an amazing experience with Helldivers 2. I haven't played for a few months now, so I'm not sure what the temperature of the community is like. But for the first few months after launch it was an almost 100% positive experience with other players across the board. Playing with strangers was often a joy, and a lot of higher level people would go out of their way to be friendly (on the lower level difficulties at least)

Doctor Doomscroll

2024-12-25 01:34:15 +0000 UTC

I’ve been meaning to get to children of time for a while I hear great things

Sandy Archer

2024-12-25 01:32:58 +0000 UTC

It's been a little while, but I think Spider-Man: Miles Morales is set around Christmas in NY. Wishing you best after a rough year!

Doctor Doomscroll

2024-12-25 01:25:24 +0000 UTC

Podcast: The Lost Cat Podcast. Lovecraft vibes with a humerous twist. Video Game: Enderlilies. I just completed it, and it is one of the most gorgeous games I've ever played. Metroidvania if thats your thing. Book: The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green. Music: Spencer Sutherland (Queen meets Mika).

Little Mel

2024-12-24 23:42:18 +0000 UTC

Yess! They talked about "Hot Frosty" on Wonderful!

Little Mel

2024-12-24 23:35:10 +0000 UTC

Not sure if it's WEIRD weird but A Guest in the House by Emily Carroll is gorgeous and I loved it

Max!

2024-12-24 23:11:59 +0000 UTC

One of my go to games is Star Wars Battlefront 2 Galactic Conquest mode. Has anyone found any games that scratch that same itch of action strategy? Actraiser also hit it for me

Caleb Ackerman

2024-12-24 23:10:48 +0000 UTC

Have you watched Hilda? or bee and puppycat? both not very long but very cute. should be on netflux

Hila SketchCat Shats

2024-12-24 23:10:25 +0000 UTC

Hue?

Caleb Ackerman

2024-12-24 23:08:53 +0000 UTC

Apple plus tv - Silo, Frontier, and even tho it's more future distopian severance

Caleb Ackerman

2024-12-24 23:06:49 +0000 UTC

I'm going to check out both of these! Excited to try them out.

Master Oogway

2024-12-24 23:06:29 +0000 UTC

Welp just based on my current activities some of my favorite non-traditional Christmas songs. Big recommendations to threadbare, merry christmas (kiss me ass) and the last Christmas. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DXaf9K2UnDhgp?si=YcYt5ahyTt6hYGLENyE8vw&pi=u-eXtGMGcmTLub Id love some recommendations for strategy and tactics style games. Also where you all get good recommendations for this genre (since it usually is the besties lol)

Sandy Archer

2024-12-24 21:59:16 +0000 UTC

Clutch recommendation ;)

Noah Prins

2024-12-24 21:51:39 +0000 UTC

Dimension 20’s Never Stop Blowing Up game system is free on the dropout merch store Edit: if you don’t have dropout tv that’s a major recommendation. The best streaming service I have.

K

2024-12-24 20:11:52 +0000 UTC

Can't believe I'm gonna have to play final fantasy after metaphor now 😂

James Saldivar

2024-12-24 20:10:44 +0000 UTC

So I am trying to get into the holiday spirit after a rough hurricane season. I've been watching bad/good Christmas movies. Definitely check out "Hot Frosty" it's fun. I am saving "I believe in Santa Claus" for boxing day with my partner. My biggest idea this year to get the holiday mojo is playing Batman Arkham Origins for the first time tonight, on Christmas Eve. Does anyone know of any other games set during the holidays? Or what special events in the free to play world may be happening? Also just for fun if you could wish one holiday game or event into existence what would it be? I would wish for a retelling of A Christmas Carol.. in which Ichiban Kasuga as the ghost of Christmas past attempts to change the Scrooge like ways of a currupt soapland owner.

micah phagan

2024-12-24 19:36:03 +0000 UTC

That’s a great resource. My other recommendations as entry points would be to find an album art that looks interesting, check out that album, and if it doesn’t click, try again with something else, because each album is vastly different and a big mistake would be to listen to one thing and think it’s indicative of their entire sound/vibe (I assure you, it won’t be). My other recommendation would be to check out one of their live sets from 2024 on YouTube (the subreddit has plenty of threads about the best shows of the year) and then cherry pick the songs that clicked for you and listen to those albums (since I truly believe something unlocks upon seeing them play live).

Thomas Barker

2024-12-24 19:17:26 +0000 UTC

I second this so much that I’m suspicious of OP not having heard of it before. I would add Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts on Netflix, not as good as Gravity Falls and really going for a different thing but I think if you like one you’ll like the other

EtherEli

2024-12-24 18:35:56 +0000 UTC

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a unique and engaging couch co-op space shooter game that is always fun.

Dustin Siegel

2024-12-24 18:18:11 +0000 UTC

I recently got a Polycade Sente, which is a multi-cade style arcade cabinet, and have been playing through UFO 50 on it. UFO 50 translates perfectly to the arcade format and I am having a blast with it! What other games from Steam or the older consoles would you all recommend playing with an arcade stick, spinner, or trackball? Also, recommendations from any lesser known arcade games that would have flown under the radar but are must play?

Dustin Siegel

2024-12-24 18:15:00 +0000 UTC

If you enjoy "The Adventure Zone" I would highly recommend "Tales From The Stinky Dragon" and "Dungeons and Daddies" - both D&D podcast with comedy internet creators with similar vibes.

Benjamin Ernst

2024-12-24 17:27:59 +0000 UTC

I highly recommend Gravity Falls (I believe it's on Hulu). 2 Seasons, similar to the shows you mentioned.

Benjamin Ernst

2024-12-24 17:19:38 +0000 UTC

One episode in and I am SO SOLD on Midnight Burger. Awesome rec.

Master Oogway

2024-12-24 17:18:20 +0000 UTC

I mean I'm certain you've already seen them but my friends and I just watched through Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra recently. ATLA is like, a perfect show, in my opinion. I've heard good things about Dragon Prince, maybe? Or the Nimona movie on Netflix?

Andrew Toms

2024-12-24 16:42:20 +0000 UTC

I threw Her Story and Immortality on there, but left off games like Golden Idol because I played a couple with one of them, already, and the other watched parts of it and thought it looked super boring lol. She might be more into it if she's brought in from the start, so it's maybe worth floating Rise of the Golden Idol or Duck Detective, I suppose! Also Trine's a good rec! I think I might even own it lol.

Andrew Toms

2024-12-24 16:39:59 +0000 UTC

My best suggestion is a deduction/mystery game like Obra Dinn or Case of the Golden Idol. Maybe too long, and not actually simultaneous play, but they're really well-suited to having multiple eyes on the game and talking about solutions. There are some horror games by Supermassive Games that, if horror is to your taste, let multiple players interactively steer the story. Not sure which is the best one, though, and probably longer than you're thinking. Maybe Trine 1 or 2? There are three characters... I think you can play 3-player?

Christopher Floyd

2024-12-24 16:34:07 +0000 UTC

Thanks for sharing!! I’ll check these out!

Garbanzo Ben

2024-12-24 16:32:07 +0000 UTC

Thanks everyone for sharing! A movie recommendation and request for more like it: - “Samsara” - Basically an experimental documentary. It centers on the themes of cyclicality and the ways that humans engage with one another and the world. Some of the most stunning cinematography from around the world I’ve ever seen. Honestly if you haven’t seen it, Don’t google too much about it and just check it out. I got a little stoned for my first watch and think that was the right move but that’s just me. Again, one of the most visually jaw dropping movies I’ve ever seen. With that being said, I am curious to hear what other movies people think of as the most visually beautiful movies they’ve ever seen. Some others that come to mind for me are Kurosawa’s “Ran” (king Lear adaptation with amazing landscape shots and battle sequences with hundreds and hundreds of extras), Still walking (Japanese movie about a family with adult children - there is one shot of a train on the coast in this movie that looks like it is out of a Ghibli movie, the perspective, color, and clouds look animated they’re so perfect.), of course the ghibli movies as well. Anyway, yes please let me know if others have movies in mind!!

Garbanzo Ben

2024-12-24 16:30:24 +0000 UTC

Fair! My buddy and I really enjoyed Nobody Saves the World, but it was less 'distinct responsibilities' and more just 'mindless chaos'. Pressed Enter too soon, lol. I also recommend Raft and Grounded. I think the former might be on console, but pretty sure the latter is. Again, not quite the vibe you were looking for, but Grounded especially can come close depending on how you play it :D

Andrew Toms

2024-12-24 16:24:03 +0000 UTC

My friends and I have a budding holiday tradition of getting together on Christmas and playing through smaller games together. We've done Firewatch & Stanley Parable Ultra-Deluxe. I've given them a shortlist already, but it's lacking any games the three of us can play simultaneously, which is something they expressed interest in this year. One of them is relatively new to gaming in general (although she's come a long way since we played Firewatch and needs to give herself more credit, lol). Ideally it'd be short enough that we could wrap up with it in a few sessions, but have some kind of story/point to it (so not games like Overcooked, or Unrailed, where the mechanical enjoyment is the whole experience)

Andrew Toms

2024-12-24 16:20:18 +0000 UTC

Looking for cartoon recs! My favorites include the Owl House, infinity train, Steven universe. I typically like wholesome and heartwarming. Would love recs from western animation or anime, the more obscure the better. Thanks besties

Bea

2024-12-24 16:18:22 +0000 UTC

have you checked out Satisfactory (since the 1.0 release)? Recommending based off Factorio. It used to be just a strictly worse version in my mind, but it surprised the hell out of me with a very delightful experience this year :)

Andrew Toms

2024-12-24 16:15:20 +0000 UTC

I've never beaten it but Chariot is charming as heck and a fun experience to share. It's a puzzle platformer where you're escorting a funeral casket to a crypt that its very choosey ghost approves of.

Andrew Toms

2024-12-24 16:11:53 +0000 UTC

I love these recommendations, but unfortunately we are limited to…. Console games 😔

Garbanzo Ben

2024-12-24 16:09:30 +0000 UTC

I haven’t played a ton but it seems like sea of thieves could be a good option. There is proximity chat and so you can have an interaction with anyone you come across on a server. I was recently out on the high seas with me deck hands when suddenly, another brigantine appeared and started lobbing cannonballs our way. Immediately I grabbed the megaphone and basically said, please have mercy on us we are friendly and have absolutely no idea how to play this game. They stopped, boarded our ship, helped us repair, gave us all of their loot that they’d collected, taught us where to go to sell everything, and answered my various questions about game systems and mechanics for the next like 30 minutes. And that was just a random interaction. I know that there are also discord servers that you can find online where you can team up with people. It is a fun multiplayer experience where each person has a discrete responsibility and you need to actually work together as a team. Plus it’s silly and funny with plenty of room for goofy role playing.

Garbanzo Ben

2024-12-24 16:06:29 +0000 UTC

I spent most of this year digging into the Stormlight Archive, and Brandon Sanderson's other series. They're long, but they're worth it; the dude writes a killer ending. Tress of the Emerald Sea is an easier pitch for a property of his, it's much shorter, and very 'Princess Bride'-y. Probably my favourite book right now!

Andrew Toms

2024-12-24 16:02:56 +0000 UTC

It's a rec that carries baggage, but I've never had more fun in a multiplayer co-operative game than with WoW. Especially playing with friends you know (either IRL, or who you meet through the game in a guild or something) doing a dungeon where you each have distinct roles/tools at your disposal is pretty fun, and I haven't had another game really come close to it (haven't tried FFXIV though) But for something more casual and easy to pull out for a party or something, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes (? if that's not exactly right it'll get you there in a google search) is a fun one. It's a bit of an asymetric teamwork game, where one player can actually see a bomb, and has to defuse it, while the other players have to communicate how, reading from a deliberately arcane instruction manual.

Andrew Toms

2024-12-24 16:00:13 +0000 UTC

Favorite fiction that I’ve read recently was “The Overstory” by Richard Powers. Really excellent novel with a bunch of different story lines that are all related to trees in some way. One of the story lines is related to game development, another is related to a fictionalized version of the eco-terrorism group, The Earth Liberation Front. Plus lots more. Really excellent writing and you get to learn a bit about trees. It won the Pulitzer Prize for I believe literature. If you want some non-fiction, I would recommend something by Michael Pollan. His books are basically really long form journalism about a variety of topics. He has an excellent voice and does a great job of making the stories engaging. My favorite by him is, “How to change your mind,” a book about the history of and modern movements around psychedelics in America. He talks to a lot of interesting people while researching and also goes on his own psychedelic journey. If you are even vaguely interested in psychedelics I would say you should absolutely check this out.

Garbanzo Ben

2024-12-24 15:58:24 +0000 UTC

I am looking for a multiplayer game that I can play with friends and that feels like we are actually collaborating together. Sea of thieves has been fun because it feels like each of has a discrete responsibility. What are some other good multiplayer experiences where you need to work together to succeed. Less specifically, I’m also just generally curious about people’s favorite multiplayer games of all time. I’d really be interested in anything that I can try out with my friends. Role playing games, pvp, base building, anything that you’ve really enjoyed. Thanks!

Garbanzo Ben

2024-12-24 15:49:56 +0000 UTC

If you like your music heavy I've been really into Mindforce 🤘 and if you like good Hip Hop I've been loving BigXthaPlug

Dan Brown

2024-12-24 15:46:10 +0000 UTC

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern is one of the best audiobooks I’ve ever “read”. I feel like if you liked Piranesi you would like The Starless Sea. I’ll co-sign Murderbot Diaries. Another one if you like epistolary novels is This is how you lose the time war— shorter novella but really great and on of the voice actors was Panam in Cyberpunk.

K

2024-12-24 15:46:07 +0000 UTC

Gotta say I played recently on PS5 after it was discounted and updated and had a great time with hardly any issues. Never played DD1 but jumped in and had a blast

Dan Brown

2024-12-24 15:43:02 +0000 UTC

Try Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. Arguably the best puzzle game released this year, all search, no action! The controls can get fiddly and annoying (no idea why they haven't fixed it through a patch of some kind), but there's no game this year that made me feel smarter when I unravelled the puzzles.

Jon

2024-12-24 15:42:54 +0000 UTC

Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus 🪷

Dan Brown

2024-12-24 15:39:57 +0000 UTC

Try Neva, it's much more vibey and has really cool visuals

Dan Brown

2024-12-24 15:37:48 +0000 UTC

Super Meat Boy rules! I have not tried the others yet, thanks 🙏

Dan Brown

2024-12-24 15:34:09 +0000 UTC

Uzumaki. And it was excellent! Tbf tho I haven’t read too many.

Ken Clark

2024-12-24 15:24:20 +0000 UTC

Not a helpful answer (Matt's is!!) but thought you'd enjoy this piece! https://www.eurogamer.net/games-of-2024-final-fantasy-7-rebirths-queens-blood-is-the-best-card-game-of-the-year

Chris

2024-12-24 15:04:22 +0000 UTC

Murderbot Diaries narrated by Kevin r Free. Can't recommend it enough

Caleb Ackerman

2024-12-24 15:03:32 +0000 UTC

yes!!!

Chris

2024-12-24 15:01:01 +0000 UTC

Seconding Wilmot and Assemble with Care! And not a perfect match, but also Venba and Florence

Chris

2024-12-24 15:00:48 +0000 UTC

I havent but I'll give them a look!

Chris

2024-12-24 14:58:31 +0000 UTC

Seconding Nine Sols. Also N++, Cave Story, Steamworld Dig 2, and Guacamelee! 1 & 2

Chris

2024-12-24 14:58:15 +0000 UTC

Hell yeah, this trailer is awesome. (It reminds me of what happened to New York Giraffe. Tragic really.) I'll definitely check this out. and congrats on making a film!!

Chris

2024-12-24 14:55:37 +0000 UTC

and Memoir of a Snal is so good! great rec!

Chris

2024-12-24 14:51:11 +0000 UTC

Lorelei and the Last Eyes!!!!

Chris

2024-12-24 14:50:51 +0000 UTC

ohhhh, id try VVVVVV, N++, and Super Meat Boy!

Chris

2024-12-24 14:50:16 +0000 UTC

Agreed on the Chants rec. I'd also check out Heaven's Vault and Lorelei and the Laser Eyes!

Chris

2024-12-24 14:49:06 +0000 UTC

Looking for recommendations on online multiplayer games that have welcoming communities. I work from home and don't get many opportunities for social engagement outside of meeting up with friends every other weekend or so. I played a lot of Warframe a while back but have had a hard time getting back into it.

Zachary Emerson

2024-12-24 14:44:32 +0000 UTC

Second this, such a clever and overlooked game. Shame about Adult Swim Games.

Zachary Emerson

2024-12-24 14:40:48 +0000 UTC

If you have Spotify, I recommend Chain Gang All-Stars! Has a great cast. For a trilogy, I recommend the Southern Reach trilogy.

Zachary Emerson

2024-12-24 14:32:29 +0000 UTC

🤣 just astounding!

Daniel Anderson

2024-12-24 14:21:45 +0000 UTC

I would say if you’re on Game Pass, go ahead and fire SE5 up! If not, maybe just wait a month a grab the new one at the end of January. Might also be a situation where after playing the new one, you backtrack to 5 to get more SE.

Daniel Anderson

2024-12-24 14:20:39 +0000 UTC

I’m dogshit at the platforming in Animal Well. Is there a game that’s less action and more search?

Nicole Levay

2024-12-24 13:34:16 +0000 UTC

My husband listens to what I lovingly called “haunted women.” Chelsea Wolfe, Allie X, and Alice Glass are his favs. Allie X is really fun and lately we’ve been listening to Maiah Manser. She’s incredible! One of my fav artists is Remi Wolf and she had a new release this year that’s excellent. Same with Phantogram!

Nicole Levay

2024-12-24 13:33:16 +0000 UTC

Oh man, I unfortunately don’t but I’m commenting in solidarity. I love the battle network games, and there’s just nothing I’ve found out there that’s like them. They’re like their own genre that no one has ever tried to make since.

ThanaThots

2024-12-24 13:32:42 +0000 UTC

DD2 was also massively borked when it released as far as how it ran. Apparently there have been improvements, but I’m not playing on PC. My main pawn is named Dolly Farton and I’ve never been so proud

Nicole Levay

2024-12-24 13:30:39 +0000 UTC

Book/Audio Book Recommendation: Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Matt Zimmerman

2024-12-24 13:15:44 +0000 UTC

This years till death to us blart was so unhinged and amazing. So many good bits. My favorite was probably the fact that the two hosts you’d least expect to make it to Las Vegas was the two hosts that actually went. Truly beautiful.

Anna

2024-12-24 13:07:46 +0000 UTC

I would love a good audiobook recommendation! I have a couple audible credits burning a hole in my pocket atm, so I could even go up to a trilogy. My favorite audiobook I “read” this year was Piranesi, on Justin’s (and maybe Chris’?) recommendation, and it blew my socks off, but it doesn’t have to be big L literature.!

EtherEli

2024-12-24 13:07:13 +0000 UTC

Live service is an easy out, thankfully. I did love Animal Well. Platforming tricks were super hard! But it got its hooks in me. It's also a perfect portable game.

bjorktribe

2024-12-24 13:04:28 +0000 UTC

Ben Passmore's books are weird in the best way IMO. Check out BTTM FDRS

C Rivera

2024-12-24 12:55:09 +0000 UTC

Mars Express, it's a movie but will help fill the void until Scavengers Reign comes back

C Rivera

2024-12-24 12:47:19 +0000 UTC

This year I also binged the doublefine doc about the making of psychonauts. I loved it. It's all free on youtube, hours of interesting game dev and human interest story. The besties and triple click have each recommended it too, so if you haven't jumped yet, give it a go.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 11:50:23 +0000 UTC

Thinking about this again, many Ozu (japanese director) films are all about urban life and family in post war Japan. You don't get any interiority, since his style is all dialog and let scenes talk for themselves. But there might be something there. Tokyo Story's main woman character played by Setsuko Hara embodies the emotional heart of the film.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 11:45:47 +0000 UTC

The animated movie is also great

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 11:36:07 +0000 UTC

I jam more with Slice and Dice on mobile, or of course Slay The Spire on mobile. But Forward is still worth the purchase

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 11:35:37 +0000 UTC

+1 for lower decks, and prodigy too. Also, Daniel, do you listen to Star Trek TNC? If not, it's my favorite Star Trek podcast

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 11:32:04 +0000 UTC

Also a podcsst with a massive archive: Star Trek: The Next Conversation with Matt Mira and Andy Secunda, two tv writers. 5 stars, would recommend.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 11:29:07 +0000 UTC

I've never played these titles but was itching for something like this. Do you think it is worthwhile to pick up 5 or wait into Jan for the new one i see advertised all over reddit?

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 11:27:24 +0000 UTC

My most controversial pick would be Animal Well, I know it gets really cool and interesting but a specific platforming section early on made me so mad I wanted to throw my Switch across the room, and so I had to drop it. Also any live service game, as much as I love Destiny 2 it takes too much time away from other really awesome games.

Clay

2024-12-24 09:07:27 +0000 UTC

At the time, Daytripper by Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon was the strangest graphic novel I had ever read, and also the best. I've read a lot more magical realism since then so it may not be the strangest anymore, but it's still one of the best.

Clay

2024-12-24 09:04:28 +0000 UTC

I have lots of favorite open world games, but they're all pretty big games so spoken of a lot. Assassin's Creeds Origins and Odyssey, The Witcher 3, Zelda BotW and TotK, and Red Dead Redemption 2 just to name some. I think what attracts me to them is a world that I want to live in for a while, whether that is a historical time period that I love (ACs and RDR2), a deep fantasy world (TW3), or just a beautiful world with tons of stuff to do in it (Zeldas).

Clay

2024-12-24 08:58:56 +0000 UTC

I Am Your Beast hit some of the same notes for me, I played that just a couple weeks ago and totally fell in love with it. Phenomenal voice acting too.

Clay

2024-12-24 08:54:58 +0000 UTC

sounds like I need an emulator

futureyeet

2024-12-24 07:52:17 +0000 UTC

Was gonna recommend them anyway, but I just learned that one of my favorite youtubers, Hazel ( www.youtube.com/@hhhazel ), is in a bad spot with her latest upload getting suppressed by youtube's algorithm, seemingly because the title references beer. She's removed it for later re-upload, but in the meantime you can check out her back catalogue, which features some of the most engaging pop-cultural anthropology I've ever seen. Her Cozy Anime RPGs video feels appropriately seasonal if your looking for something to watch: https://youtu.be/8xYhv15qv4A?si=j6qqBfqaioBWiNYu

Thomas Dempsey

2024-12-24 07:51:20 +0000 UTC

Book recommendation: Saevus Corax Deals with the Dead

K

2024-12-24 07:50:39 +0000 UTC

Kevin R Free is great. Highly recommend the audiobook.

K

2024-12-24 07:46:11 +0000 UTC

Follow up recommendation: read Ann Leckie’s Ancillary Justice series. About an AI construct who is actively seeking revenge against the colonialists who tried to destroy it.

K

2024-12-24 07:45:29 +0000 UTC

Comic: The Power Fantasy by Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard is my favourite of the year. There are six people on Earth with superpowers on par with a nuclear arsenal. The series is about their efforts to not fight each other. A brilliant blend of high stakes politics and (sometimes petty) interpersonal drama. The characters are all great, and the details of the alternate history they have created are drip fed to you over time, to great effect

Shane Sweeney

2024-12-24 07:19:02 +0000 UTC

Brian K Vaughan just finished publishing a free graphic novel called Spectators. It is weird and pretty erotic. I don’t wanna spoil too much, but since it’s free, just go read it a bit and see if it’s worth your time. Just don’t read it on the bus.

Daniel Nugent

2024-12-24 07:15:47 +0000 UTC

+1 for The Magnus Archives. Incredibly entertaining anthology to begin with, but the way it all comes together over time is truly remarkable

Shane Sweeney

2024-12-24 07:10:44 +0000 UTC

I can reiterate recommendations for Planetes and Delicious in Dungeon and can additionally say that Planetes is a great and brisk four volume manga as well. Additionally, I would like to recommend Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken to anyone who didn’t watch it already. A beautifully animated short series about why animation is fantastic and horrible to make.

Daniel Nugent

2024-12-24 07:05:37 +0000 UTC

To piggy back on this I started listening to them in this last year and found the large catalogue a bit intimidating, and i found this site helpful for a starting point https://www.get-into-gizz.com/

Brendan

2024-12-24 07:04:16 +0000 UTC

LOWER DECKS! LOWER DECKS! LOWER DECKS! But let me pitch it too: a classic, but irreverent Star Trek. Episodically focused with overarching seasonal narratives. Characters slowly evolve as they face their insecurities and embrace their strengths. The one problem I’ll say is that the first half of the first season is weak while the characters are finding their voices.

Daniel Nugent

2024-12-24 07:00:39 +0000 UTC

Tales of Kenzera: Zau came out this year and was pretty good. Animal Well was sort of a SAG too.

Daniel Nugent

2024-12-24 06:49:30 +0000 UTC

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a fan of battle network? I tried one step from eden but I think that ended up being too bullet hell too quickly for me

Joe Payne

2024-12-24 06:49:30 +0000 UTC

I'll throw out my 10/10 books this year (fantasy, sci-fi, horror junkie) Between Two Fires (dark fantasy): A young girl who can maybe talk to angels, a disgraced knight, and a gay priest journey across France during the black death. A bit slow but the character work is incredible. I cried sad tears and happy tears during this read. House of Suns (space opera): Explores humanity millions of years into the future following a line of clones. Big idea sci-fi from a former astronomer at the ESA. Love, Death & Robots adapted a few of Reynolds short stories: Beyond the Aquilla Rift & Zima Blue. One of my favorite working sci-fi authors. Children of Time (sci-fi): Humanity almost goes extinct. There's a generation ship and a sentient spider society. Explores the nuance between chemical and social evolution really well. Pet Sematary (horror) - Slow burn, very borderline cosmic horror, and maybe the most terrifying ending I've read (King actually gets an ending right this time). It's 10x better than any movie version. Things rarely scare me these days but this book still manages it even on a re-read

Nick Jimenez

2024-12-24 06:38:45 +0000 UTC

Andy Serkis’s reading of The Lord Of The Rings on Audible is wonderful. His talent as a voice actor is insane and he simply is the voice of Gollum, but what caught me off guard is how perfect his voicing of Aragorn is. Beautiful books, amazing reading, perfect listening for long work hours and road trips

Azurite

2024-12-24 06:34:59 +0000 UTC

Ooh til, thanks!!

D. Alfonso

2024-12-24 06:23:09 +0000 UTC

Feel like this game got overlooked but Sniper Elite 5 is just so fantastic. I loathe, loathe, LOATHE stealth sequences in games like Uncharted or the new Indiana Jones, and others in a similar vein. But SE5 is the kind of stealth I can’t get enough of—no pre-scripted routes through a level, no “sequencing” to memorize or start over. It’s the closest thing I’ve done in video games that brings back the rush of playing capture the flag as a kid. Wide open French towns and cities for you to approach however you’d like, with real issues for getting sighted. Level design is incredible.

Daniel Anderson

2024-12-24 06:16:39 +0000 UTC

Anyone looking for a podcast—Justin, Griffin and their bro Travis do an annual review of Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 which is without question the most unhinged commitment to a bit I have ever seen, but which I look forward to immensely every year on Thanksgiving. They’ve done this for a decade now (!) so there’s actually a pretty good backlog and they’re fun to listen to in succession. And for anyone looking for a podcast with a MASSIVE back catalog for a roadtrip or when they workout, or projects around the house—the Magnus Archives is exceptionally well written and pretty darn spooky, and the Adventure Zone with the McElroys is hours of fun, and has a rrrrreallll who’s line is it anyway/ improv feel which is a delight.

Daniel Anderson

2024-12-24 06:13:13 +0000 UTC

This year kinda sucked for horror (lots of decent films but nothing absolutely slayed). Fingers crossed for Nosferatu - same guy did The Witch and that was great. Hereditary is incredible if you haven't seen it. This might be a dumb rec for part 2 but if you've only played Chrono Trigger and not tried Chrono Cross it's extremely worth it.

Nick Jimenez

2024-12-24 06:12:50 +0000 UTC

I haven't heard of this one! I will take a look

John Breckenridge

2024-12-24 06:11:59 +0000 UTC

Lost In Random is also on GamePass, I believe! Absolutely worth a download.

Daniel Anderson

2024-12-24 06:02:17 +0000 UTC

The Long Halloween!

Chris

2024-12-24 06:00:02 +0000 UTC

Heard! After seeing the monster factory video and knowing that Griffin has a fairly new/nice pc I wondered if it was even worth a try for my old machine lol

Max!

2024-12-24 05:59:59 +0000 UTC

I played it and dug it!

Stephen J. Lunatic

2024-12-24 05:59:56 +0000 UTC

Okay, but I genuinely think you're describing 13 Sentinels

Chris

2024-12-24 05:59:09 +0000 UTC

will check it out!

Chris

2024-12-24 05:58:24 +0000 UTC

So many great recs above. Also adding Kentucky Route Zero, Arco, and though he's controversial, I think it's worth knowing about the works of Jason Rohrer if you're curious about the way story and mechanics tie together in games. And thanks for the recs!

Chris

2024-12-24 05:58:07 +0000 UTC

If you haven't go watch DARK right now! Its in German but don't let that deter you.

Carrie Dzike

2024-12-24 05:55:58 +0000 UTC

The films of Kiyoshi Kurosawa, especially Pulse

Chris

2024-12-24 05:55:45 +0000 UTC

Any game by Kairosoft but especially GameDevStory

Chris

2024-12-24 05:54:21 +0000 UTC

Agreed on Paradise Killer!!

Chris

2024-12-24 05:53:45 +0000 UTC

Hammetwatch is spot on. Not quite the same but you might dig CrossCode

Chris

2024-12-24 05:53:01 +0000 UTC

After reviewing the list, besides the obvious Everything, Everywhere, All at Once and what others have said; I can also recommend (in no particular order) Ex Machina, Lady Bird, Midsommar, and Hereditary. For TV, The Curse on Showtime

Carrie Dzike

2024-12-24 05:52:44 +0000 UTC

So there's this little know game called Nier Automata...

Chris

2024-12-24 05:49:47 +0000 UTC

Great question and a tricky one to answer! The game benefits from its visuals, but I think the gameplay is strong enough to hold its own at low settings. That said, the load times could get annoying real fast on old hardware. If you have a nice, modern m.2 SSD then go for it -- if not, maybe try the original Dragon's Dogma!

Chris

2024-12-24 05:49:20 +0000 UTC

my year in Mensa is soo soo good

Carrie Dzike

2024-12-24 05:44:55 +0000 UTC

Those kids are writers for SNL if that helps as well. I agree, really funny stuff

Carrie Dzike

2024-12-24 05:42:44 +0000 UTC

So many great shares! We just watched Fiddler on the Roof (1971) for the first time in 20+ years and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a beautiful, moving, and so very human story.

Mark Smith

2024-12-24 05:42:26 +0000 UTC

Would love some recommendations for Search Action games. Loved Metroid Dread, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and The Last Case of Benedict Fox. Obviously we kneel at the Altar of Hollow Knight, but would love some more personal picks from folks! Steam/Switch please!

Jim Redding

2024-12-24 05:42:10 +0000 UTC

Recommendations?screams from the rooftop ABIOTIC FACTOR. It's early access, so take that for what its worth, but there is a bunch of content already. It's the only game my husband and I play together that we both sunk a lot of hours into. According to him it is like a "first person Valheim Half Life". He bounces pretty quickly from survival craft and I that is my jam and we both find enough to like in this one where want to keep progressing. So if this is you and your friends on either side of this, you will find stuff to like!

Carrie Dzike

2024-12-24 05:34:48 +0000 UTC

These are great recs, thank you!

itsmethuy

2024-12-24 05:34:29 +0000 UTC

Parasite by Bong Joon-ho. More of a thriller than horror, and rightly deserved the acclaim it got years ago. Don't read anything about it before you watch it, though.

itsmethuy

2024-12-24 05:30:16 +0000 UTC

I love the art style of NUTS this looks sick, thank you!

zillybanz

2024-12-24 05:29:41 +0000 UTC

bugsnax

Carrie Dzike

2024-12-24 05:27:52 +0000 UTC

did not click with Dave the Diver either so thank you!

Carrie Dzike

2024-12-24 05:25:52 +0000 UTC

These are not Firewatch by any stretch, but kinda similar ish? NUTS and Stories Untold

Carrie Dzike

2024-12-24 05:23:29 +0000 UTC

Just found out all of them are available under Spotify's 15hr/month Audiobook offerings. Cruising through now!

Jim Redding

2024-12-24 05:22:03 +0000 UTC

I listened to the podcast Who Shat On The Floor At My Wedding? based on Justin's recommendation, and I'm so glad I did. I love parodies of serious podcasts (see also: The McElroy Brothers Will Be In Trolls World Tour)

itsmethuy

2024-12-24 05:14:53 +0000 UTC

Maybe a bit dark, but my son and I have had an absolute blast with Cult of the Lamb's couch co op. We're maybe 5 hours in and feels like we're just scratching the surface.

Taylor Kelty

2024-12-24 05:14:48 +0000 UTC

I will have to check this out!

Master Oogway

2024-12-24 05:10:35 +0000 UTC

I also endorse Wolf 359! Another good space audio drama podcast is Midnight Burger, that's been my latest jam

Chrysanthemum

2024-12-24 05:06:56 +0000 UTC

You might enjoy the Chief Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny. They are not strictly cozy - there is on-page violence, though not graphic - but they are largely set in an idyllic village and the overall vibe is comforting, reassuring.

Julie

2024-12-24 05:06:46 +0000 UTC

Delicious in Dungeon is competing with Frieren for my anime of the year

OldBoomstick

2024-12-24 05:05:52 +0000 UTC

Did you get a chance to play echo point nova this year? an fps for freaks, easy in my 2024 top 10

David Klein

2024-12-24 05:04:00 +0000 UTC

Have you tried Little Nightmares? Has a similar aesthetic and gameplay I feel. I think you’d like it!

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 05:03:56 +0000 UTC

Hi yall, I am looking for any relatively newish game from the past decade or so that has a similar story to Firewatch. I really enjoyed the hiking in that game because the dialogue and setting kept it from feeling boring. Thank you! :p

zillybanz

2024-12-24 05:02:36 +0000 UTC

You are going to love Train to Busan 100%.

zillybanz

2024-12-24 04:59:25 +0000 UTC

I enjoyed The Wailing but was disappointed by the ending, it made me laugh tho.

zillybanz

2024-12-24 04:57:40 +0000 UTC

This sounds so dope

zillybanz

2024-12-24 04:55:34 +0000 UTC

Y: The Last Man was incredible, the concept interested me enough and the characters pushed me through, huge recommend

zillybanz

2024-12-24 04:54:28 +0000 UTC

Ghosts (CBS) might be great for this. It's a total delight.

Julie

2024-12-24 04:54:09 +0000 UTC

or read all of them like i did and then be sad that you have to wait for the new book to come out, so maybe pace yourself lol

zillybanz

2024-12-24 04:51:33 +0000 UTC

Echo Point Nova, which they talked about recently is fairly similar in terms of movement

zillybanz

2024-12-24 04:49:48 +0000 UTC

thank you! you nailed it. Ctrl Alt Ego looks very interesting, and holy cow Gloomwood looks rad, I'm playing that soon for sure. I adore Heat Signature!! to be honest, still haven't played tactical breach wizards so I'll pick that up finally. I was hoping for some broader interpretations too, so I appreciate it! there's just a certain game-feel that you described really well. might I in turn recommend Ostranauts... it's EA and rough around the edges for sure, but it really scratches an itch for me

Zardoz

2024-12-24 04:48:56 +0000 UTC

I hate to say it and I don't recommend it, but Gantz is up there. it's. ok. on the other side of the quality spectrum -- Berserk. I also second Bret Scofield's recommendation, Dorohedoro is terrific.

Zardoz

2024-12-24 04:47:46 +0000 UTC

By PlayStation do you mean current generation? For PS4/PS5, I'd recommend Nobody Saves the World and It Takes Two. I played them with a friend my age, but I think a 12 year old could handle them just fine.

Brandon

2024-12-24 04:44:44 +0000 UTC

Do you recommend a better (mobile) game I should try?

Richard E Ochoa

2024-12-24 04:35:16 +0000 UTC

Try Pantheon

Luke

2024-12-24 04:33:48 +0000 UTC

The Ghostrunner games are like Neon White a little

Luke

2024-12-24 04:32:59 +0000 UTC

I've grown very fond of shoegaze lately. You might be familiar with My Bloody Valentine, who I think achieved the most popularity in the genre, but there's a lot more to discover. My number one recommendation is BrokenTeeth, and I recommend starting with the album 추락은 천천히 (How to Sink Slowly). As a bonus, all of their album artwork is great. Also I'd recommend the album Deathconsciousness by Have a Nice Life. It's got a lot of variety and is a great place to start. There's a subcategory sometimes called Japanese shoegaze which I really love. It's quite different from the traditional stuff, and honestly you could probably just call it emo rock, but I think it's its own thing and it's great. My favorite bands are きのこ帝国 (Kinoko Teikoku), for which I recommend the song スクールフィクション (School Fiction), as well as the band イツエ (Itsue) for which I recommend the song 言葉は噓をつく (Kotoba wa uso o tsuku) [my translation: "Words Lie"]. Also there's this new band Ghost Bookstore who I've got my eyes after their strong debut album. There are other subgenres of course, of which I'd also recommend blackgaze. Check out the band Deafheaven and their song You Without End.

Brandon

2024-12-24 04:28:24 +0000 UTC

Descender/ Ascender for more graphic novels in that vein. Maybe Ghost Song is a decent search action game w a vibe like that

Luke

2024-12-24 04:27:17 +0000 UTC

Thanks for both recs! This is the push I need to finally watch Rosemary's Baby and the other sounds very interesting as well

Meg Harvey

2024-12-24 04:23:30 +0000 UTC

Hi everyone! Looking for any sci-fi / fantasy tv shows I may have missed. Shows that are 10/10 for reference of my taste: Scavenger’s Reign, Dark Crystal Age of Resistance, Arcane. Could be anime as well - currently watching Frieren. Thanks so much :)

Michael George

2024-12-24 04:23:15 +0000 UTC

it's not my absolute favourite, but if you're not susceptible to gacha, infinite nikki is pretty good so far (i've just hit chapter 3). it is a gacha game, and they are trying to make money from that, so be careful on that front, but the exploration is pretty fun and I keep getting distracted trying to find new whimstars & collect new materials. combat is fairly simple, but i like that.

Kit Geraghty

2024-12-24 04:20:01 +0000 UTC

Ducks is the most unique and unexpected for a graphic novel story I’ve read. It’s incredible (and a bit dark …)

Michael George

2024-12-24 04:18:49 +0000 UTC

One of my favorites that I feel has been lost to common memory is The Pathless (2020). It was made by Giant Squid, which I'm pretty sure has roots in thatgamecompany and Journey. It's a really excellent indie open world game that focuses on movement through the environment. It has great atmosphere, puzzles, story, and just overall feel.

Brandon

2024-12-24 04:17:02 +0000 UTC

Looks interesting!

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 04:12:26 +0000 UTC

Travellers Rest is my current go to. Its in beta but its a good Stardew-like

K

2024-12-24 04:11:20 +0000 UTC

Sackboy

K

2024-12-24 04:10:24 +0000 UTC

I like this question, and I wish I had a good answer to it, but of the classic movies I've seen none really pop out as having those features. That being said, maybe Rosemary's Baby (1968)? I definitely recommend it, but I'm not sure if I'd say it explores the interiority of the female lead. Instead it displays the horror of her life (and her baby) being controlled by the men around her. But the first thing that came to mind for me was Mass (2021), which places two female characters front and center (along with two male counterparts) to dig deep into their thoughts, feelings, and decisions as they deal with what might be the worst thing imaginable. One of those women is played by Ann Dowd, who for my money might be the most talented actress working today.

Brandon

2024-12-24 04:08:52 +0000 UTC

Does anyone have any recommendations for games like neon white. That game scratched such a specific itch for me that I've been craving so bad since I finished it

James Saldivar

2024-12-24 04:08:46 +0000 UTC

If you are looking for a Stardew-like I recommend Traveller’s Rest (beta). You own a tavern, it’s very fun and I wish the besties knew about it

K

2024-12-24 04:04:42 +0000 UTC

Listen to Justin, read Murderbot by Martha Wells.

K

2024-12-24 04:03:23 +0000 UTC

Ooh great topic! I'll start with Park Chan-Wook's "The Handmaiden". Definitely not horror, I think this would be considered thriller. Think the twists and turns of Old Boy applied to an elegant and rich Korean family set decades ago. Also you know that crazy Japanese film maker who made Tetsuo the Iron Man? Shinya Tsukamoto? I watched a bunch of his movies recently and my favorite and most easily recommendable one is "Kotoko". He's really got a unique and strange thing going on, but it might click with you. It'll almost certainly affect you at least. If you wanna get a taste of the "classic" Japanese horror from like 20ish years ago, think The Ring era, my favorite so far has been Hideo Nakata's "Dark Water". A disclaimer, I don't actually find this subgenre scary anymore, but I think this one has excellent execution in terms of atmosphere, acting, and characterization. People really like Na Hong-jin's "The Wailing". I enjoyed it well enough but I'm not sure it's all that special. I'd recommend trying it though, you'll probably at least have a good time. Now for a Korean movie I very much recommend, you should check out Kim Jee-woon's "I Saw the Devil". I would call it a thriller with horror elements, with a healthy dose of badassery. Hopefully that gives you a good starting point. But if you're interested in asian cinema in general, my favorite director currently is Hirokazu Kore-eda. Most of his stuff is in the drama category, focusing on family relationships and obligations. My top recommendations for him are "Broker" and "Monster".

Brandon

2024-12-24 03:58:22 +0000 UTC

I've also been rewatching the anime 'Planetes' -- set in the near future, following debris hauler/cleaners in earth orbit. But a lot of heart is in the show. Also, need to recommend Frieren and Delicious in Dungeon and Kaiju #8 to anyone who hasn't yet seen those animes.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 03:56:12 +0000 UTC

Perfect, thank you. Binding is one I have had, and have honestly been intimidated to start. Dave the Diver I did manage to drop when it got too long in the teeth for me. I think I topped out after 12ish hours. There's a good 6 to 8 hour game in there somewhere...

bjorktribe

2024-12-24 03:53:08 +0000 UTC

Also @plante would you recommend dragons dogma 2 if i’d have to turn the settings down to powerpoint mode or does it rely a lot on the look of it? seems like fun but if lots of the game is travel and enjoying that idk if i’d be hindered by the lack of pixels lol

Max!

2024-12-24 03:50:28 +0000 UTC

Here’s a recommendation from the very niche political sim genre. “The Political Process” has some of the most in-depth mechanics I’ve seen in a political sim, and campaigns can be quite exciting. It lets you fully customize districts and states, voting blocks, campaign conditions, and just about anything else you could think of relating to US politics. It can be hard to pick up if you don’t already know some terminology, but it does explain things as best as you could hope for. Really satisfying and has been scratching that political sim itch just right. The devs are also very much still on top of it, throwing out updates and new content for it pretty frequently. Not the prettiest game out there by a long shot, but still worth it in my opinion

Ryan Giglio

2024-12-24 03:49:55 +0000 UTC

What’s everyone’s favorite open world games and why!!! Happy holidays!!

Max!

2024-12-24 03:48:45 +0000 UTC

What kind of music do you guys listen too like what genre?

Brad MacDonald

2024-12-24 03:47:19 +0000 UTC

I'm almost done with the Watchmen graphic novel, it is a LOT but is 10/10. Actually, Seconds by the Scott Pilgrim author is the answer to this question.

Taylor Kelty

2024-12-24 03:47:13 +0000 UTC

I played it! The Halloween special was so fun and I loved coming back to find that.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 03:44:21 +0000 UTC

This is such a rad idea! Happy Holidays all :) Books: anyone have anything near the vibes of the Shady Hollow Mystery series? They are my comfort books and im all caught up. Its a cozy murder mystery series set in woodlands where all the characters are animals. (also have binged through the Thursday Murder Club series lol) Games: I really loved games like Lost in Random & Alice Madness. Anyone have recs in that line? (doesn’t have to be creepy but that sort of story telling / game play). I mainly play on my Steamdeck these days but have a PS4 & Switch. TY !

Elle

2024-12-24 03:44:12 +0000 UTC

Imagine some of the feelings we had going through the COVID pandemic - but instead in this story it's an alien invasion that pretty much wipes out the world, and many many years in the future you learn about the past though the memories of a single teenage girl (who happens to be an Chinese-Canadian immigrant) who was chosen to save the world when that all went down. It's non-linear storytelling. Brilliantly written. With as emotionally evocative of a musical score as you'll ever hear. It will stick with you forever.

AaronElWhite

2024-12-24 03:42:10 +0000 UTC

Cat Quest 1 or 2 were good from what I remember, as long as you know they’re pretty generic rpg. Nobody’s Save’s the World was also a really fun couch co-op experience that didn’t require both players to be at the same skill level

Ryan Giglio

2024-12-24 03:41:28 +0000 UTC

Before Your Eyes. Very short game that you control by blinking. I found it emotionally quite beautiful

lmaximus88

2024-12-24 03:39:22 +0000 UTC

Mr Mosquito. I love it to death but man those controls are terrible

Ryan Giglio

2024-12-24 03:38:49 +0000 UTC

Definitely jumping on this! Thanks

Ryan Giglio

2024-12-24 03:35:47 +0000 UTC

I feel a bit guilty responding to this, but sure! Of the games I played this year, I do not recommend: - Rain World. While it's super cool and potentially very gratifying to make your way through, I found it far too punishing in a bad way. I recommend just watching YouTube playthroughs or analyses if you like, and playing other games. - The Binding of Isaac. Similarly, this one is very punishing and is as much of a slog as it is enjoyable. If you're not invested already, there's so many other and likely better rogue likes to try out. - Trombone Champ. It was funny and enjoyable for like 15 minutes, then I never felt compelled to go back to it. - Another Crab's Treasure. I mostly agree with the besties sentiment on this one. Yes it has its charms, but if you're looking for an enjoyable souls like experience to fall into this might not be it. Too different in feel and strategy than the traditional dark souls combat. - Dave the Diver. This will be hugely controversial. There were times when I thought this game was amazing, but then I came to realize it was incredibly repetitive. The environment is pretty much the same every time you dive, or at least it was for me throughout the 15+ hours I played, so I came out of it disappointed. Everything else I tried felt worthwhile.

Brandon

2024-12-24 03:35:26 +0000 UTC

Dicey Dungeons is one of my go to’s in this genre. Idk why, but I always find my way back to it :)

Elle

2024-12-24 03:34:15 +0000 UTC

100% right. My brain just also thought it gave off asian horror vibes. Jaja

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 03:30:10 +0000 UTC

Dorohedero (manga). There is also a season of the anime on Netflix. Drawings be crazy.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 03:28:33 +0000 UTC

ok its a solid 40 mins but Veronica Mars is my always rec

Elle

2024-12-24 03:28:22 +0000 UTC

Hmmm. What initially starts as somewhat lighthearted sci fi story about 3 people (and 1 AI) aboard a space station studying the star Wolf 359, quickly changes into a more thriller esque story. Told through the audio logs of one (extremely sarcastic and media reference obsessed) Doug Eiffel, you see the story unfold about his time aboard the station and how things are definitely not how they appear. Stellar voice acting, really fun story, just a wonderful listening experience.

Master Oogway

2024-12-24 03:27:45 +0000 UTC

What’s the weirdest graphic novel you’ve ever read? Bonus points (but not a requirement) if it’s also good.

Thomas Walsh

2024-12-24 03:26:58 +0000 UTC

For me, it's Super Auto Pets. It's a quick way to kill 5 minutes but still engaging for longer play. I think I had about 700 sessions in my Steam recap this year.

Devin White

2024-12-24 03:25:31 +0000 UTC

And will second The Forgotten City.

Brad L

2024-12-24 03:25:00 +0000 UTC

If you're into actual play podcasts, Protean City Comics is a great Masks actual play.

Devin White

2024-12-24 03:24:30 +0000 UTC

I will second AI as a fantastic visual novel.

Brad L

2024-12-24 03:23:58 +0000 UTC

I had such a good cathartic cry with Spiritfarer! its such a wonderful game

Elle

2024-12-24 03:23:43 +0000 UTC

Id say Unravel Two or one of the Trine series might fit the bill!

Elle

2024-12-24 03:22:58 +0000 UTC

Mouthwashing blew me away. About 3 hours long and right up there with 1000xRESIST in terms of lasting impact for me.

Sebastian Lovallo

2024-12-24 03:22:15 +0000 UTC

Ctrl Alt Ego is pretty much the indie immersive sim. I've heard good things about Gloomwood as well. Though if you're really strapped for immersive sims, I recommend checking out Heat Signature. It's not a traditional immersive sim, so don't expect a first-person RPG with crate stacking, but there's enough interesting systems and manipulation of them that I think fans of immersive sims will find some things to appreciate about it.

Devin White

2024-12-24 03:21:13 +0000 UTC

Yeah, it's a nice little diversión. Not my favorite, but decent.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 03:20:30 +0000 UTC

Not sure if on other consoles but I just finished Lost in Random on my steam deck and had a great time!! Its a dark fairytale action adventure game with dice rolls and also cards involved in the fighting

Elle

2024-12-24 03:20:27 +0000 UTC

Can anyone suggest games NOT to play? I have an enormous back catalog who's timeline has taken a massive extension since bringing a child into this world a couple years ago.

bjorktribe

2024-12-24 03:19:07 +0000 UTC

I’d love a recconendation for some good intro to video game design course (book, video, w/e). Ideally more focused on the practical and design aspects and less on the theoretical, and engine agnostic. If it exists 😵‍💫

Daniel Park

2024-12-24 03:18:53 +0000 UTC

What's a 2 sentence pitch? I'm intrigued.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 03:18:38 +0000 UTC

Portal 2 has two player, but even Portal one is very fun to play with other folks in the room helping the player figure out puzzles and stuff.

estonkers

2024-12-24 03:12:56 +0000 UTC

Portal and Portal 2!

estonkers

2024-12-24 03:12:18 +0000 UTC

I think The Platform was Spanish (assuming you mean the movie?), but it’s so good regardless!

estonkers

2024-12-24 03:11:46 +0000 UTC

If anyone wants to experience some 'radio drama,' just finished a re-listen of Wolf 359. A really fun sci-fi radio drama podcast. 10/10 recommend.

Master Oogway

2024-12-24 03:07:21 +0000 UTC

Blowback is truly great. While not in the same vein theme-wise, a podcast where they deep dive a particular topic, The Worst Idea of All Time.

Sebastian Lovallo

2024-12-24 03:05:26 +0000 UTC

Wolf 359. So fun.

Master Oogway

2024-12-24 03:05:07 +0000 UTC

“Forward: Escape the Fold” is an amazing roguelike “dungeon crawler” card game on mobile. I think it was mentioned on Besties a couple years ago, but im picking it back up to try to 100%.

Richard E Ochoa

2024-12-24 02:59:29 +0000 UTC

The original secret of monkey island. It's my favorite version.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 02:58:23 +0000 UTC

'The Platform' ?

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 02:56:55 +0000 UTC

For me it's Immortality? I loved the game so much but it gave me such a chilling effect that I really have to recommend it with a disclaimer. Not because it's like actually scary but that it messes with your mind as you play it in a way no other game I've ever experienced has.

Katie Jewel

2024-12-24 02:55:46 +0000 UTC

Hello all. What is a Asian horror movie or thriller you would recommend. I really enjoyed all of us are dead and wish to watch last train to busan soon. (Probably not horror but horror adjacent)

Whatsup Studmuffin

2024-12-24 02:54:06 +0000 UTC

The original run of Percy Jackson on audible, the audible version of Dracula has a stellar cast. And the hunger games trilogy I really enjoyed

Whatsup Studmuffin

2024-12-24 02:52:54 +0000 UTC

Thank you for the rec!

Meg Harvey

2024-12-24 02:51:19 +0000 UTC

Was coming here to suggest this. I watched a play-through while wrapping presents today. Was a real nostalgia hit.

Sebastian Lovallo

2024-12-24 02:51:02 +0000 UTC

If you like autobiographies and dark humor, I really enjoyed Maria Bamford's "Sure, I'll Join Your Cult" audiobook.

Katie Jewel

2024-12-24 02:50:40 +0000 UTC

Fun question. What is a game you love but you would not recommend people. Mine is death stranding. Love the game but the idea to have to start from the beginning is a scary one

Whatsup Studmuffin

2024-12-24 02:50:26 +0000 UTC

Katana Zero. You play each screen like a mini level where you can die as many times as you need in order to get through to the next it just rewinds and goes back to the start of the room.

Whatsup Studmuffin

2024-12-24 02:49:29 +0000 UTC

Not a 100% match, but classic like : The Passion of Joan of Arc (Carl Th. Dreyer, 1928) might be worth s watch.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 02:49:22 +0000 UTC

I have a request for games on the PlayStation that I can play co op with my 12 year old nephew that will not make me pull my hair out when he is being silly.

Whatsup Studmuffin

2024-12-24 02:48:02 +0000 UTC

Anyone interested in a fantasy roguelike that plays like an old operating system should check out Kingsway. Its older but vastly underrated

zach winstead

2024-12-24 02:47:25 +0000 UTC

I actually recently watched a very funny horror comedy called Scream Therapy. Multiple very funny women main characters, and it played off a lot of horror tropes. I loved it.

Sarah Yarcho

2024-12-24 02:46:25 +0000 UTC

Another weird random rec that wouldn't be typically talked about on The Besties: 'the banished vault' -- basically a digital boardgame (on steam), resource management but with a really creepy and weird and otherworldly aesthetic.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 02:45:52 +0000 UTC

Check out SOLUS 128 and Isles of Sea and Sky for some puzzling goodness!

Christopher Floyd

2024-12-24 02:45:47 +0000 UTC

Haiku, the Robot was a game that reminded me of Hollow Knight recently.

Christopher Floyd

2024-12-24 02:44:42 +0000 UTC

The demo for White Knuckle was certainly short, weird and mechanically interesting! Think parkour climbing meets ps1 horror game.

ran

2024-12-24 02:44:14 +0000 UTC

There's nothing like Unpacking, but I would recommend Assemble With Care.

Christopher Floyd

2024-12-24 02:43:40 +0000 UTC

1000xResist sounds interesting ish. What's a good 1 or 2 sentence pitch for it?

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 02:43:20 +0000 UTC

games ideally optimized to play on steam deck that you can't or wouldn't play on other handhelds. (i'm trying to use my steam deck more). currently playing a lot of balatro and hitman on it

Katie Jewel

2024-12-24 02:42:44 +0000 UTC

I'd love classic movie recs with complicated female characters and an interest in their interiority! I'd especially love horror or thriller

Meg Harvey

2024-12-24 02:42:07 +0000 UTC

It's lighter and shorter than 1000XResist, but absolutely check out Wide Ocean, Big Jacket, one of the best narrative games in the last ten years. Also Butterfly Soup! 1 and 2!

Christopher Floyd

2024-12-24 02:41:14 +0000 UTC

Have you tried Battleblock Theater? I played it with someone who doesn’t play games years ago, and we had a great time with it. It’s more puzzley than the games you mentioned but it is fun

Brandon Cole

2024-12-24 02:39:45 +0000 UTC

I'd take White Knight for a spin. Unfortunately/fortunately it's so good it's being built out into its own Universe, so there's kind of an end point, but more if you're loving it

Jim Redding

2024-12-24 02:38:38 +0000 UTC

My wife recommends as possibilities, some of which you may already be familiar with: -illuminate -therion -sopor aeternus & the ensemble of shadows -nightwish -sonata arctica And not quite similar but maybe still good as like goth cabaret: -Voltaire She has more guttaral than not though, so just these few might fit the bill for clearer vocals.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 02:37:39 +0000 UTC

Detroiters just came to Netflix, if stupid-funny is something you're looking for. Stars Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave) and Sam Richardson (Veep).

Christopher Floyd

2024-12-24 02:37:16 +0000 UTC

My son and I are looking for 2-player co-op puzzle platformers in the vein of It Takes Two, Sackboy: A Big Adventure or Goat Simulator 3 (we’ve also done the Frushtick voice Marios). I feel like we’ve hit the limit of what’s available. It’s not the most popular of genres these days despite a recent resurgence. What I’m really asking for is an Astro Bot 2 with co-op.

Michael Gray

2024-12-24 02:29:16 +0000 UTC

Well, first, get UFO 50 if you haven't already. Then check out: * Leap Year - A platformer where the height of your jump is also past your survivable fall distance. * Cloud Gardens - Growing plants in abandoned urban spaces. There's nothing like this. * Defense of the Oasis - It's civilization meets minesweeper? * SOLAS 128 - Every screen is a color-combining puzzle that also contributes to a larger multi-screen puzzle.

Christopher Floyd

2024-12-24 02:29:13 +0000 UTC

Void Sols maybe? It's a minimalist 2D soulslike that might be a good fit to hit the same brain scratchies as the games you listed.

Max!

2024-12-24 02:27:09 +0000 UTC

indie immersive sims, any deep simulation game really, strategy rpg's. the more obscure the better, I've gamed many a game. platform doesn't really matter, I have a rom collection. happy crimbo

Zardoz

2024-12-24 02:26:13 +0000 UTC

I will be digging into spiritfarer over break.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 02:23:16 +0000 UTC

this is a surprising one I think strangely fits your criteria, if the genre is amenable to you. lotr return to moria has had some midling reviews, personally I was super impressed with just how robust their systems are. for example, I've never seen another game handle stamina the way they do. I could be way off on this rec so I wish it was still free on epic, but steam has a 2 hour return window for a reason ;) happy crimbo

Zardoz

2024-12-24 02:22:47 +0000 UTC

“Did Titanic Sink?” is a fantastic send-up of the conspiracy genre while also being a fantastic piece of investigative history. Featuring some spectacular elements like a fully voiced radio play of the Titanic’s (and nearby) ships last telegraphs. And one/half of the podcast is friend of the show Tim Batt!

Thomas Walsh

2024-12-24 02:22:44 +0000 UTC

Spiritfarer! It was extremely bittersweet and therapeutic for me. Also GoGotown. It's in early access but has alot of content already with pretty consistent updates. The vibe is chill and the art style is vibrant.

Tide Holobaugh

2024-12-24 02:21:21 +0000 UTC

'Fall' might fit the bill? It was worth the watch at least.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 02:21:01 +0000 UTC

I was a Teenage Exocolonist might be worth a look

John Breckenridge

2024-12-24 02:20:23 +0000 UTC

I strongly recommend taking a look at Beast In Black if you haven't

John Breckenridge

2024-12-24 02:17:59 +0000 UTC

I recommended it to someone else already, but Chants of Sennaar!

Stephen J. Lunatic

2024-12-24 02:16:31 +0000 UTC

Another random rec for those into world building...and a type of game the Besties never cover: Suzerain. It's basically a narrative government sim (fictional world with fictional countries and entities though all obviously inspired by various amalgamation of real ones and real world events). Enough choice to make it interesting, and the story is interesting enough. I don't suspect there are many fans of this type listening to the Besties, but I'd recommend it anyways.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 02:15:58 +0000 UTC

I find myself drawn to games with a focus on really solid mechanics and gamefeel. Not really a genre and might not be a grouping that makes sense to others, but here are some from recently played games that nail that in my eyes: Against the Storm, UFO 50, Factorio, Mechabellum, Tactical Breach Wizards, Fromsoft stuff, Destiny, Dead by Daylight, Resident Evil If that makes sense to anyone else, would love to hear recommendations that also nail that execution!

John Breckenridge

2024-12-24 02:15:44 +0000 UTC

Does “Past Lives” count as an indie movie? It was nominated for an Oscar but was the director’s (Celine Song) debut and is an intimate, astonishing film with a great woman protagonist.

Thomas Walsh

2024-12-24 02:15:33 +0000 UTC

I love all of the Evil Dead movies. I really dug Rise a lot. Barbarian is great. I loved the Fear Street trilogy on Netflix.

Stephen J. Lunatic

2024-12-24 02:15:10 +0000 UTC

I fuckin LOVE Barbarian!

Stephen J. Lunatic

2024-12-24 02:14:34 +0000 UTC

I'm always on the hunt for some good symphonic metal/rock type music! I love bands like Within Temptation and Epica, and lately I've been getting into a little visual kei w Versailles/Kamijo. I tend to prefer clear vocals over harsh/growl/screamo type stuff.

Max!

2024-12-24 02:14:29 +0000 UTC

Moira Quirk's reading of Gideon the Ninth is excellent!

Stephen J. Lunatic

2024-12-24 02:13:59 +0000 UTC

The McElroy Brothers will be in Trolls: World Tour and Who Shat on the Floor at my Wedding are my favorites.

Stephen J. Lunatic

2024-12-24 02:13:29 +0000 UTC

I love biking to Steven Universe. Eps are shorter, like 11 min, so you can plan around multiple episodes. Since they go by fast, it makes the exercise feel faster too.

Stephen J. Lunatic

2024-12-24 02:12:48 +0000 UTC

Jane Schenbrun has another movie if you liked I Saw the TV Glow called We're All Going to the World's Fair. I haven't seen the former but the latter has a pretty eerie feeling to it.

Kevin E

2024-12-24 02:12:27 +0000 UTC

The Substance was by far my favorite horror movie of the year.

OldBoomstick

2024-12-24 02:11:43 +0000 UTC

I've had Junk Head on my list for a while

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 02:11:38 +0000 UTC

My wife and I have been playing mh now for just over a year. Pros: gameplay is fun and interesting, but accessible to a more casual audience. The better you get at it, the more you can play for free - the limiting item is health potions and a well executed hunt won't use any health. They basically always run some event or other so there's always something to do even if you've been playing a while. Major con: We often play from the car, just taking an hour to drive around and talk about our day while tracking down specific monsters. If we were limited to what's in walking distance, I don't know if it'd be nearly as good. Pokemon go is still unrivaled as a "walking around a park" game, for me.

Glen N

2024-12-24 02:11:37 +0000 UTC

I have seen the Haunting, so I'll give that a try. The others are classics. Saw Ginger Snaps when I was like 12 and it terrified me

futureyeet

2024-12-24 02:10:42 +0000 UTC

Infinity Nikki has been my jam this month. Despite being a gacha game, it’s bright, hopeful, and feminine. And lots of fun! Also want to shout out my favorite game that I hear absolutely no one talk about, Game Dev Tycoon. It’s a game about games, and it’s so fun! I love making copies of my favorite games, and coming up with the dumbest titles. Love it!

Beard4Charity

2024-12-24 02:10:33 +0000 UTC

The web serial Worm is a great story about "young adults with various traumas and tangled relationships". Is a bit darker than those though. Can be read for free online

John Breckenridge

2024-12-24 02:10:04 +0000 UTC

Justin mentioned Trust by Hernan Diaz a few years back and I can confirm it is an excellent audiobook. The different narrators really add to the framing narrative of the entire store. I couldn't stop listening once I got to the final quarter of the book.

Kevin E

2024-12-24 02:09:56 +0000 UTC

This is extremely niche, but Andrew Robinson's 'a stitch in time' if you like DS9 star trek is great. He reads it perfectly in character.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 02:09:48 +0000 UTC

Depending on your level of activity I really enjoy Zombies run, it really added a fun twist to getting out and running. They have expanded it to other genres if ai remember right.

David Wright

2024-12-24 02:09:31 +0000 UTC

Christmas Nights Into Dreams on Sega Saturn. Probably the best fan service demo disk ever included in a magazine. You'll probably have to emulate it, but make sure you set the game clock right and play tomorrow night 🎁

bjorktribe

2024-12-24 02:08:17 +0000 UTC

It is long winded and has no gameplay, but Umineko does some incredible things and has permanently changed how I think about stories and mysteries.

John Breckenridge

2024-12-24 02:08:06 +0000 UTC

Just finished Dandadan last night, can't wait for more! I'll have to check out Pantheon. I'm also a big fan of both Castlevania shows on Netflix. Nocturne returns in January

Scott Leavens

2024-12-24 02:08:02 +0000 UTC

Paradise Killer!

Graham

2024-12-24 02:07:50 +0000 UTC

He Fucked The Girl Out Of Me is short but incredible.

Alice

2024-12-24 02:06:16 +0000 UTC

Mars express is on my watch list. Sounds like a great time to sit down and watch it. Scavengers reign was great, really enjoyed the Moebius feel of it

David Wright

2024-12-24 02:06:04 +0000 UTC

Yeah! That's a good one. I always enjoy her guest spots on QAA

Andrew Boggs

2024-12-24 02:05:43 +0000 UTC

I SAW THE TV GLOW

Alice

2024-12-24 02:05:08 +0000 UTC

Check out the podcasts by Jamie Loftus, she has made a number of limited series that are all really good: My Year In Mensa, Ghostchurch, Aack Cast, Lolita cast.

Alice

2024-12-24 02:04:52 +0000 UTC

More body horror: Color out of Space.

bjorktribe

2024-12-24 02:04:29 +0000 UTC

Hang onto your butts, I have a good one: have you listened to The Culture books? Look up The Player of Games by Iain Banks. Enjoy!

Justin Glier

2024-12-24 02:03:16 +0000 UTC

Please recommend an indie movie with a woman main character that you think is underseen or wish more people have seen!!

Alice

2024-12-24 02:03:01 +0000 UTC

The Murderbot series' audiobooks are p endearing!

Max!

2024-12-24 02:02:32 +0000 UTC

If you have Max (formerly HBO Max), I highly recommend 8-Bit Christmas for your family holiday viewing—if you’re a millennial and into video games and you’re looking for something to keep the family occupied for an hour and a half or so, it is a nostalgic delight that is much less consumerist than you’d think. I did write about it for my blog, which I’ll share here below, but don’t feel pressured to click, I’ll tell you right now. As someone who hates Christmas movies and usually has had his fill of Christmas cheer by mid morning on November 1st, I loved this movie. https://www.studyroompod.com/blog/2024/12/20/its-a-wonderful-strife

AslamC

2024-12-24 02:02:19 +0000 UTC

Slay the Princess has some interesting narrative structure!

Meg Harvey

2024-12-24 02:02:02 +0000 UTC

Some older horror essentials from: John Carpenter: > The Thing > Prince of Darkness Rob Zombie: House of 1000 Corpses. And in case you missed it a couple years ago: Talk to Me

bjorktribe

2024-12-24 02:02:01 +0000 UTC

Mars Express was so good! Been evangelizing that movie to everyone this year

Jerrod Schwarz

2024-12-24 02:01:54 +0000 UTC

What genre? Those tend to be comedies but just curious.

Simon Payne

2024-12-24 02:01:34 +0000 UTC

Junk Head! It’s a Japanese stop motion sci-fi that is so unique

Jerrod Schwarz

2024-12-24 02:01:15 +0000 UTC

I found Paradise Killer stylish and interesting so it might have a bit of the Wic + Div vibe but it's not nearly as goth or musical. Maybe check out a trailer and see what you think! I guess the original Vampire the Masquerade is probably an influence for Wic + Div haha

Meg Harvey

2024-12-24 02:00:57 +0000 UTC

What do you mean! Do you mean shows that you can listen to while you are running or shows about running or shows that are currently in production

Justin Glier

2024-12-24 02:00:01 +0000 UTC

If you’re okay with something a bit on the gory side, Primal is a wonderful animated show with a cool story.

Jerrod Schwarz

2024-12-24 01:59:51 +0000 UTC

Some of my favorite rom-coms from that era are Just Friends, 13 Going on 30, Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

Simon Payne

2024-12-24 01:59:50 +0000 UTC

Yeah, I totally agree. The armored core episode with Keanu Reeves was my favorite!

Justin Glier

2024-12-24 01:59:00 +0000 UTC

Jusant would be my rec! A very interesting world to discover, quiet but mechanically interesting gameplay, and a great art style

Jerrod Schwarz

2024-12-24 01:58:39 +0000 UTC

My favorite series in this genre is "he who fights with monsters” by shirtaloon. Highly recommend!

Justin Glier

2024-12-24 01:58:29 +0000 UTC

Jujutsu Kaisen is currently my cardio show! I know that's basic, but you never know!

Corpo_Canine

2024-12-24 01:57:17 +0000 UTC

American Gods has great audio and a full cast. Great audio book!

Joe Moore

2024-12-24 01:56:41 +0000 UTC

You don't specify genre, so I'm going to recommend a finish series that is only 2 seasons. It's about an intelligence operative who is depressed because of the things he does, and who dreams of just playing folk music. A weird cast of characters. I love it. It hits the feels and is darkly funny too. 'The Patriot'

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:56:22 +0000 UTC

I think this might be a very controversial opinion, but I love the new 52 batman zero year. it's divided into 3 arcs (Secret City, Dark City, Savage City) and it has one of my favorite comic book art i've ever seen, and as a sucker for the riddler, he gets some of the best characterization in this plotline. It's a really fun read!

Hila SketchCat Shats

2024-12-24 01:53:43 +0000 UTC

I’d recommend basically anything by Simogo! Device 6 specifically for mobile, it’s pretty short and does some really interesting things with the mobile layout. Sayonara wild hearts isn’t as weird but is super fun and each “level” is only a few minutes long

Rachel

2024-12-24 01:52:01 +0000 UTC

This isn't exactly 1 to 1, but Terra Nil kind of fits the vibe.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:51:38 +0000 UTC

If you like a mystery, Curse of the Golden Idol has been great. Figure out what happened in a given scene through collecting words and names, playing minigames. Got a redux this fall with an updated hint system and quality of life improvements.

Simon Payne

2024-12-24 01:51:27 +0000 UTC

I’d never gotten into the LitRPG genre before but a buddy got me into the Dungeon Crawler Carl books and they really are a tone of fun. The narrator has a great Patrick Warburton tone.

Ian Krupnick

2024-12-24 01:51:03 +0000 UTC

I enjoyed Slay the Princess for an interesting metanarrative horror game. I also enjoy their appalachian horror game, Scarlett Hollow, but only 3/5 chapters are released at the moment. I think it's totally worth the price already but I'd certainly understand wanting to wait!

Meg Harvey

2024-12-24 01:50:46 +0000 UTC

Slice and dice on mobile is kind of like that.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:50:24 +0000 UTC

Agreed! I think you would be hard pressed to beat anything slay the spire does. I’ve tried Cobalt Core. It’s on my “come back and finish this” as I’ve gotten about half the memories. Thanks for the reminder to finish lol.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:50:10 +0000 UTC

Mars Express film. Someone recommended Pantheon to me when i mentioned this, so I guess we swap! Scavengers Reign is also great too.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:49:45 +0000 UTC

Cobalt Core was pretty neat! It's not as amazingly balanced as StS but it has a fun time loop story and interesting space ship combat

Meg Harvey

2024-12-24 01:48:52 +0000 UTC

Re: horror. Have you seen ' Barbarian ' (2022)?

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:48:32 +0000 UTC

Seconding Dark and will check out 12 Monkeys!

mungeon_disaster

2024-12-24 01:47:57 +0000 UTC

The V/H/S film series (Shudder) definitely deliver that analogue horror feel but the quality of each short is definitely hit or miss. Y2K, Kyle Mooney's new flick has some analogue horror aesthetic but it has some flaws as well. Jane Schoeburns two films are magnificent and it's really hard to find a good rec but maybe check out some of the work that inspired I saw the TV Glow like are you afraid of the dark and Buffy

Joe Moore

2024-12-24 01:47:41 +0000 UTC

Stephen King's "On Writing" is narrated by him and is basically his Masterclass.

Taylor Kelty

2024-12-24 01:47:26 +0000 UTC

‐NORCO is my always go to for People that mention Disco and Citizen sleeper

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:46:53 +0000 UTC

Tunic was so cool and really interesting with how to figure everything out. Undertale also fits for “weird” and interesting if you’ve never tried it. Alina of the Arena was short, but I loved it. I haven’t seen anything like it before with how it combined a grid style combat with deck building. Backpack hero had a fun little minigame by organizing a pack and that would determine what you could do in terms of attacking and defending. Darkest dungeon if you’re a masochist. Dicey Dungeons was a fun dice game with deck building elements. 13 Sentinels did a really cool narrative with strategic real time combat. Ori and the Blind Forest for pure platforming and a sweet narrative that makes your heart sing. Wildfrost for a hard deck builder with an interesting twist that you’ll see if you beat the game.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:46:48 +0000 UTC

Gorogoa is great on switch, it requires similar thinking outside the box as monument valley

Rachel

2024-12-24 01:46:26 +0000 UTC

I also love horror and similarly I'm often disappointed despite loving it! I have some thoughts of interesting horror movies, although they're classic enough you have probably already seen them :) 1) if you want interesting queer psychological horror, I really enjoyed the 1960s version of The Haunting! Your milage will vary on how scary it is, but I love Shirley Jackson and really enjoyed that adaptation 2) Ginger Snaps is a really interesting take on a werewolf story. As a former angry weird teen girl there was a lot of interesting stiff there and some great gore. Cw for suicidal imagery with that one 3) I recently watched the 1970s Black Christmas and found it pretty interesting! PoV camera from the killer, pretty multidimensional female characters, and a pro-choicr subplot from the year after Roe v Wade Like I said, these are pretty well known but on the off chance you hadn't gotten around to them I wanted to mention em. I'd love to hear any recs you have!

Meg Harvey

2024-12-24 01:46:11 +0000 UTC

The Talos Principle and Talos Principle 2 have stories i really dig. If you're into puzzles, the lore around it all is fun to engage with. A little bit outside of the box, but Sable might be a maybe. Also a little outside the box, Wyldermyth has had some of the best little vignette stories.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:45:54 +0000 UTC

Admittedly I haven't finished it, but Unsighted was doing alot for me, especially in conjunction with its time limit mechanic. But alot of people dont like mechanics like that so YMMV

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:45:49 +0000 UTC

Chained Echoes!!!!

AaronElWhite

2024-12-24 01:45:22 +0000 UTC

Also if you haven’t played the Ori games, those are great too!

Rachel

2024-12-24 01:44:47 +0000 UTC

I've been enjoying the Tyrant Philosopher series by Xavier Tchaikovsky audiobooks

Gordon Shumway

2024-12-24 01:44:44 +0000 UTC

Its kind of a cop out cause its still Niantic, but Pikmin Bloom?

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:44:25 +0000 UTC

Really excited for Queer! OP - if you like horror films that are a bit weird I really recommend The Witch (period horror from A24) and The Substance (body horror from Working Title Films). You're likely already tracking this but Nosferatu is in theaters soon too and looks great!

mungeon_disaster

2024-12-24 01:42:48 +0000 UTC

‐Threshold ‐Citizen Sleeper ‐Mouthwashing -Viewfinder -NORCO -

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:42:43 +0000 UTC

I was playing Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth back in April after it was discussed on Besties but life put it on hold. I’m back in it after all their talk around game of the year and having such a great time. The side missions and exploration make it perfect for taking in smaller chunks if needed. Even the main story parts have regular save intervals. Also a father of two younger kids and it’s been one of the few games that fits in well. Only regret is I got it on PS5 originally as being able to play it on steam deck would be the only thing I would change.

Derek Hale

2024-12-24 01:42:04 +0000 UTC

Looking for another GPS-game to play with my 12 year old son. We both fell off Pokemon Go a couple years ago and are looking for something to fill that void. Considering MH Now but only because of ads.

Taylor Kelty

2024-12-24 01:41:45 +0000 UTC

Judero hands down. Mechanically interesting its not, but artistically very interesting. Lots of great writing too.

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:41:17 +0000 UTC

Disco Elysium was amazing. Especially once they added voice overs to it. AI: Somnium Files will be right up your alley if you liked 13 sentinels with the branching timelines and twisty narrative. I always recommend to everyone that they try great Ace Attorney as the narrative over two games was one of the best I’ve ever experienced.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:40:50 +0000 UTC

Any recs for a short/weird/mechanically interesting game? Any and all genres are welcome

Brandon Cole

2024-12-24 01:40:13 +0000 UTC

You and I are fishing in the same pond and finding each other's fish I think lol. I've been fiddling around with In Other Waters by the people who made Citizen Sleeper and I really liked that! If you haven't tried it, VA-11 HALL-A is also really cool. It doesnt utilize its bartending mechanics to the fullest extent I feel, but choosing Visual Novel decisions through drinks is really cool, and when it REALLY diverges and uses its mechanics its pretty fucking cool.

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:39:54 +0000 UTC

Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain is the 2024 Goonies in the realm of Lonely Island's Hot Rod with Conan O'brien's first acting role and narrated by John Goodman. Funniest movie I saw this year, unfortunately came out in 2023 and nobody saw it / went straight to Free on Amazon Prime.

Taylor Kelty

2024-12-24 01:39:46 +0000 UTC

Hey! I know everybody ever always ask for games that feel like Outer Wilds- but i feel like every rec list is leaning towards the puzzle aspect, which, don't get me wrong, i love me a good metriodbrainia, but to me they all felt very lackluster in the storytelling department. I wouldn't have enjoyed exploring the solar system and wouldn't have cared as much about the ending if i didn't care about the Nomai. So... yeah! I'd love to uncover a world and a story that will make me care. anything in that department AND completely unrelated, I would love to hear what are people's favourite late 90s-mid 00's romcoms, because i got that holiday spirit of watching cheesy movies in me

Hila SketchCat Shats

2024-12-24 01:39:14 +0000 UTC

I'm a big fan of the ones you listed. A few other narrative games that have piqued my interest over the years: -NORCO -The Forgotten City -Her Story -Mouthwashing -Suzerain

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:39:02 +0000 UTC

No, but thank you for the rec!!

Josh Wolff

2024-12-24 01:39:02 +0000 UTC

I’ll keep an eye out for it!

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:38:55 +0000 UTC

Queer is in theaters right now, will probably be on Max in the next few months and is certainly weird and an incredible performance from Daniel Craig. It's based on William S Burroughs second novel before he made Naked Lunch and it definitely has that A24 weirdness. Also an amazing score and soundtrack from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

Joe Moore

2024-12-24 01:38:52 +0000 UTC

I’ve sunk in so many hours on steam and mobile lol. Great game.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:38:46 +0000 UTC

Love Tunic and love Celeste, so you’re definitely on the right track haha. Two of my all-time faves. Will give Another Crab’s Treasure a try, thanks a bunch!

Daniel Gauthier

2024-12-24 01:38:35 +0000 UTC

How could I forget roguebook and Griftlands? I loved those two games. Especially griftlands with how it combined such a cool narrative with the gameplay.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:38:32 +0000 UTC

Definitely agree. The first series in a while that had me hooked until I was totally caught up. The audiobooks are so insanely well done and acted as well.

Derek Hale

2024-12-24 01:38:13 +0000 UTC

I don't know of anything that has the same gameplay exactly but tiny glade might scratch the same itch!

ran

2024-12-24 01:38:03 +0000 UTC

"A little to the left". I saw it on a live stream by Johnny Chiodini. It's very much chill organizational puzzles

Faith Quist

2024-12-24 01:37:54 +0000 UTC

Yes, I should have mentioned Tunic as another reference point! Absolutely loved it, one of my all-time faves

Daniel Gauthier

2024-12-24 01:37:34 +0000 UTC

Have you given Balatro a whirl?

Taylor Kelty

2024-12-24 01:37:33 +0000 UTC

I love horror flicks and there's been some great ones this year! The substance (on Mubi) is probably my fav flick this year but I'd recommend also checking out Oddity (on shudder) strange darling (VOD only) and Milk and Serial which is a found footage movie free on YouTube. Hope your able to restart your horror movie love!

Joe Moore

2024-12-24 01:37:09 +0000 UTC

If you want to get into a long running JRPG, try trails of cold steel. There’s a bit of backstory from some other games, but I feel like it’s not too important and is something you can look back up later. It’s a bit of a dated game, but I fell in love with it a few years ago. Persona series is amazing. Not sure if that’s JRPG, but it was good nonetheless. Metaphor Re:Fantazio was stellar as the besties have mentioned. Fire Emblem three houses was a great starting point for a strategic jrpg.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:37:08 +0000 UTC

2) I'd definitely recommend something by Atlus! My personal GOTY was Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, and mechanically I've always found it incredibly satisfying. Nothing quite hits the sweet spot like SMT combat for me personally.

Anthony Alberti

2024-12-24 01:36:44 +0000 UTC

Always on the hunt for some more narrative heavy stuff, especially games that do something unique with how they tie together gameplay and story. Big fan of Disco Elysium, Slay the Princess, and 13 Sentinels. I've been more into indies these days but not a requirement!

ran

2024-12-24 01:36:32 +0000 UTC

I gotta recommend the Final Fantasy ports to mobile, particularly 3 and 4. If you're able to emulate the rest of them (before Ps2 era) on mobile, you're in for a good time (also with emulation, you can gameshark infinite gil for yourself, which, as a parent, lemme tell ya, ain't nobody got time to go grind money for potions).

Taylor Kelty

2024-12-24 01:36:07 +0000 UTC

I have been flying through the Dungeon Crawler Carl book series - if I had to guess, this one would be rated E for Exactly Justin's shit. Good litRPG which is just a blast to read.

BilboGreggins

2024-12-24 01:36:01 +0000 UTC

My #1 rec is always Monster Train so good to see you've already experienced what I consider to be an all-time great just like Slay the Spire. I try pretty much everything in this genre and also enjoyed Rougebook and Griftlands quite a bit. And one to keep an eye on is StarVaders. Had a blast with its demo this year.

AaronElWhite

2024-12-24 01:35:24 +0000 UTC

Red Rising series has an incredible narration by Tim Gerard Reynolds

OldBoomstick

2024-12-24 01:35:21 +0000 UTC

If you haven’t seen Secret Level, some of the episodes are genuinely great. The Unreal Tournament, Warhammer, and Honor of Kings episodes were so good.

Brandon Cole

2024-12-24 01:34:56 +0000 UTC

Wilmot Works it Out is a similar vibe though a bit more puzzley (literally jigsaw puzzles!)

Michael Gray

2024-12-24 01:34:49 +0000 UTC

Idk if its my FAVORITE, but Beau is Afraid is one I keep thinking about.

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:34:42 +0000 UTC

Rimworld is often describes kind of as dwarf fortress lite. It's something I've sunk almost more hours into than anything.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:33:59 +0000 UTC

I think a lot of people will tell you Persona at this point cause its the other BIG RPG series, but honestly? Yakuza 7 (Yakuza: Like a Dragon) is a REALLY good game, and you dont really NEED to play 0-6 to get it. Skies of Arcadia is also really good, but you'd have to emulate it :(. If you aren't married to TURN BASED RPGs, Tales of the Abyss is my favorite Tales of game! You'd have to emulate that too though...

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:33:51 +0000 UTC

I think "El Paso Elsewhere" might fit the bill. It's a Max Payne-inspired third person shooter about a man who pursues his ex through increasingly bizarre layers of an alternate dimension. I found the story really propulsive, and each level/cutscene is well within your time preference.

Corpo_Canine

2024-12-24 01:33:40 +0000 UTC

I would love to have more running shows (shows <30 minutes) if anyone has any recommendations!

Rahel Kang

2024-12-24 01:33:39 +0000 UTC

Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere audio books (mistborn, way of Kings, etc) are solid audiobooks!

Travis

2024-12-24 01:33:32 +0000 UTC

For deck builders: obviously you have your slay the spire, monster train, balatro. There are some other niche ones that I liked like Wildfrost, Diceomancer, Dicey Dungeons, Beneath Oresa, Alina of the Arena, and Cobalt Core are some of my faves. My wife recommends Cafe Enchante for a classic otome mange game.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:33:22 +0000 UTC

Does anyone have any recommendations for limited run podcasts? Something like Blow Back or similar.

Andrew Boggs

2024-12-24 01:33:20 +0000 UTC

Honorary mention, Play Nice’s audiobook was AWESOME, I thought the narrator did a great job reading it in a way that you could pay attention to and digest all the little details

Mugiwara

2024-12-24 01:32:51 +0000 UTC

It's been said before, but Chain Gang All Stars has a FANTASTIC audiobook

Rahel Kang

2024-12-24 01:32:40 +0000 UTC

Audiobooks with actually great audio quality and reader, of any genre?

Mugiwara

2024-12-24 01:31:34 +0000 UTC

I would say keep your eyes out for the bazaar I think it's supposed to go into open beta soon. You can pay to get into closed beta though

James Saldivar

2024-12-24 01:30:47 +0000 UTC

Check out Chants of Sennar. You decipher languages based on visual clues found throughout the world.

punk1nhe4d

2024-12-24 01:30:44 +0000 UTC

Love this! 1. I am an avid horror fan and have become really disillusioned with the genre. Nothing really scares me or gets to me anymore. I did really love I Saw the TV Glow this year, but Smile 2, Longlegs, Heretic, and other releases this year were really meh to me. My favorite films are the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween. Anything to help restart my love? 2.) I loved Sea of Stars more than anything I've ever played. I've played a lot of Chronotrigger, FF and Dragon Quest. Any recs for a next step for a a JRPG lover who hasn't played everything?

futureyeet

2024-12-24 01:30:37 +0000 UTC

Hey all! What's your favorite A24 / indie weird movie? Been on a kick of those lately.

Taylor Kelty

2024-12-24 01:29:59 +0000 UTC

Stanley Parable is fantastic for innovative( and surprisingly funny) storytelling. I would also recommend Kentucky Route Zero

Sam Golzari

2024-12-24 01:29:29 +0000 UTC

Really enjoyed Dandadan and Pantheon on Netflix. Pantheon has a second seaon and Dandadan will be out in July I believe. Game wise I'm looking forward to playing through Othercide and Tormenture both have been fantastic

David Wright

2024-12-24 01:29:26 +0000 UTC

Its an easy answer, but on the off chance you have't tried it, you GOTTA try Disco Elysium. Slay the Princess also won me over this year, and I'll always have a soft spot for VA-11 HALL-A.

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:28:58 +0000 UTC

Did you play great Ace Attorney yet? If you played the other Ace attorney games, you’ll love what they did with the narrative. I also can’t stop championing AI: Somnium Files. Great narrative and fun to solve the mystery.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:28:41 +0000 UTC

Have you tried Tunic at all? It’s a little less difficult, but it goes all in on the fun exploration and lighthearted vibes. Celeste is my go-to for difficult and rewarding gameplay, but I assume if you’ve played HK you might have played it before. Third rec, if you want something soulslike but lighthearted, I can’t recommend Another Crab’s Treasure enough. It’s great

Brandon Cole

2024-12-24 01:28:39 +0000 UTC

I've been tempted by Windblown but the only Early Access game I've bought has been Hades 2. Is it worth picking it up now or should I wait for a few updates?

Andrew Boggs

2024-12-24 01:28:36 +0000 UTC

Have you tried Tunic? Not exactly 1 to 1, but it might be up your alley. The besties have a few episodes discussing it i think

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:28:35 +0000 UTC

For 2025, I’m looking for games where I can progress a story in <= 1 hour long chunks. It’s easier for me as a parent. Kingdom Hearts fit the bill this year. Dragon Age XI felt similar a couple of years ago.

Kyle Starr

2024-12-24 01:28:25 +0000 UTC

"Fight, Magic, Items: The History of Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and the Rise of Japanese RPGs in the West" has been a truly enjoyable book that I've returned to a couple times now, a thorough overview into my all time favorite genre. Recommended for anybody interested in video game history.

Anthony Alberti

2024-12-24 01:28:12 +0000 UTC

Homebody is a great PS2 era inspired horror game about mental health and friends growing apart It's from the Game Grumps team and I feel it flew under the radar last year

Jackie aka Jax

2024-12-24 01:28:05 +0000 UTC

Any recommendations for great roguelite deck builders? I played a lot of slay the spire, monster train, inscription, wild frost,and so many more but I’m always up for more.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:27:28 +0000 UTC

I'll def try AI, I've heard great stuff! I don't want to play TGAA until I finish 5 and 6 tho. I just got through Apollo Justice and I want see these ones through first!

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:27:12 +0000 UTC

This sounds great! Your description reminds me a bit of 'Omniscient Reader', a Korean light novel series with a similar premise. There are a few good sources for it on the Wiki page, and a webtoon on, well, WebToon.

mungeon_disaster

2024-12-24 01:27:03 +0000 UTC

After 1000xResist nailed the kind of intense emotional experience I crave in any media, I have been seeking out other visual novel/visual novel adjacent games to play through in 2025. I really enjoyed The Nonary Games this fall and of course Ace Attorney is great (but much less novel-esque). Currently reading The House in Fata Morgana, but would love some similar games that just might wow me in the way that 1000xResist did.

AaronElWhite

2024-12-24 01:26:34 +0000 UTC

If you’re looking for more co-op games, I’d recommend Windblown or Hellcard. Totally different genres, but both had a seamless co-op experience.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:26:28 +0000 UTC

New puzzle games: Arranger, Plucky Squire

Lucas Mathew

2024-12-24 01:25:38 +0000 UTC

Check out AI: Somnium Files. The way they do the narrative is AMAZING and I felt like a genius when I figured some parts out (even though the game helped me the entire time) If you can get down with a slower game, The Great Ace Attorney has one of the best cohesive narratives built over 2 games. It’s a visual novel style game with interactive parts when you present evidence in court, but I promise the way they bring everything together is absolutely amazing.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:25:36 +0000 UTC

Game wise if you're just looking for a short chill time definitely recommend webfishing. There's a stop motion movie that came out recently the title is Memoir of a Snail that was really great and worth checking out! If anyone has recommendations for deck building games that aren't the obvious ones please let me or know. Or super niche romance manga because that itch I can't get rid of lol.

James Saldivar

2024-12-24 01:25:30 +0000 UTC

Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus is fantastic. Heavily inspired by Hollow Knight but in a Japanese fantasy setting with gorgeous visuals

lmaximus88

2024-12-24 01:25:25 +0000 UTC

Tape to tape is a great hockey rogue like if you miss arcade sports games

Caleb Ackerman

2024-12-24 01:25:19 +0000 UTC

This looks great. Will check it out

Sam Golzari

2024-12-24 01:24:46 +0000 UTC

I just finished Unpacking and loved it. Any recs for similar games?

itsmethuy

2024-12-24 01:24:27 +0000 UTC

Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus 🪷

Dan Brown

2024-12-24 01:24:02 +0000 UTC

Have to shout out either Nine Sols for the similarities, first thing that came to mind

Lucas Mathew

2024-12-24 01:23:57 +0000 UTC

Have any of the Besties played the Dadish games? A simple (but not too easy) platformer about a radish dad. The "Daily Dadish" offers a new little challenge every day, and we've enjoyed doing those before bed.

Russell

2024-12-24 01:23:23 +0000 UTC

Hi! If you’re looking for a straight puzzle game, I’d recommend Baba is You. If you can get past the graphics, it was a really interesting game with lots of lateral thinking. If you want a puzzle game with some detective sleuthing and narrative, check out AI: Somnium Files. Absolute killer of a game with a great story that left me grasping at straws until the end.

Matt Buie

2024-12-24 01:22:55 +0000 UTC

Yes you can!

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:22:55 +0000 UTC

I’m looking for something like Hollow Knight, in the sense that it’s mechanically difficult and rewarding, fun exploration, but also has relatively lighthearted vibes. I wanted to love Elden Ring (or any FromSoft game), and did love the combat, but those worlds are just so dark and gross and “hardcore fantasy”, which I guess just isn’t my thing despite my best efforts. Thanks, happy holidays!

Daniel Gauthier

2024-12-24 01:22:35 +0000 UTC

Balatro on mobile and Pokemon TCG Pocket have been my happy places when I have 20 minutes to kill

lmaximus88

2024-12-24 01:22:05 +0000 UTC

I should have shared that I'm on PS5 any chance I can get them on console?

Dan Brown

2024-12-24 01:22:05 +0000 UTC

I tried out Moonring and fell off cause it reminded me too much of Qud, which isnt for me. Its free though, so you might look its way.

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:21:34 +0000 UTC

Great film people should check it out

James Saldivar

2024-12-24 01:21:27 +0000 UTC

The closest for me to that feeling was Chants of Sennaar. Strong puzzle solving, immersive. It's more of an emergent, environmental narrative, rather than a fully written story like Idol and Obra Dinn, but I loved it.

Stephen J. Lunatic

2024-12-24 01:21:21 +0000 UTC

Shameless self promotion: Our Australian sci-fi/psych horror film MONOLITH came out in US theatres in Feb and is now available to rent wherever you get your movies! Super indie mystery X-Files ep told with one actor. I reckon Plante would like it ;) (I hope Plante would like it). For my other recs: I just started V RISING on the Steam Deck and it absolutely rips! They've updated it since 1.0 to work well on Deck, and it makes a great pick up and play. Survival / Crafting but super directed, which has helped me get into the genre when I haven't been able to. Also has cool Diablo-lite combat and sucking blood.

matt vesely

2024-12-24 01:21:03 +0000 UTC

I mean I feel like the obvious one to recommend is outer wilds

James Saldivar

2024-12-24 01:21:02 +0000 UTC

If you like score attack platforming, I can't recommend Gunvolt Chronicles 1 enough. You get to ping pong off of walls with your jetsuit to chain enemies kills without touching the ground. Its simple to learn but hard to master and its SOOOOO satisfying.

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:20:54 +0000 UTC

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are single handedly revitalizing rock n roll in the modern age. Just a general music recommendation for everyone. They’re amazing to witness live and are extremely prolific with experimental and creative albums that span a wide variety of different styles and genres.

Thomas Barker

2024-12-24 01:20:33 +0000 UTC

I'd love recs for new puzzle games, preferably on Switch or mobile as I don't have much time for console gaming nowadays. I've enjoyed Cocoon, Monument Valley, and the Talos Principle. Movie rec: Memoir of a Snail. Absolute masterpiece that will have you weeping.

lmaximus88

2024-12-24 01:19:43 +0000 UTC

If you're a big X-Men fan, you should check out Kieran Gillen's The Wicked and the Divine. It's like X-Men but instead of x-genes, young adults get the powers of various gods, and have a very similar tangled web of relationship drama.

Josh Wolff

2024-12-24 01:19:35 +0000 UTC

I've been championing Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus all year, it's an amazing search action that unfortunately came out at the same time as Nine Sols and they are visually very similar but otherwise not all that alike. Always looking for tough platformers in this vein like Blasphemous or Celeste! I'm sure I've missed some really good ones along the way.

Dan Brown

2024-12-24 01:19:17 +0000 UTC

For me its definitely been Devil May Cry 5 and Vampire Survivors this year. The Castlevania DLC for VS came out this year and its SOOOOO good, and I've spent enough time with DMC5 now that freestyling some combos in the bloody palace is just a chill time now.

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:19:08 +0000 UTC

Not a game, but a book series called Dungeon Crawler Carl. Got me back into reading for fun. Real world ends, and is replaced with a competition with lots of video game mechanics. Darkly funny, great characters, one of the best series I've ever read. The audible version is also supposed to be fantastic.

Zoologist440

2024-12-24 01:18:45 +0000 UTC

While not exactly innovative, I enjoyed the storytelling in the puzzle game "filament"

Jarl Snargl

2024-12-24 01:18:39 +0000 UTC

Hey. I know this might be tough, but I’m looking for games like the Golden Idol series and Obra Dinn. I’ve played other mystery games like Ace Attorney and Danganronpa, and I did enjoy them, but they have a bit too much filler/padding for my taste. I like that Golden Idol and Obra Dinn give you a scene/clues and let you get straight to figuring out what happened, but haven’t found any other games like that.

Brad L

2024-12-24 01:18:23 +0000 UTC

Just got into Caves of Qud and couldn’t recommend it enough, quickly got to my top 5 goty. I’m wondering if there is anything else like it (besides Dwarf Fortress)? Happy holidays

Tokyo

2024-12-24 01:17:50 +0000 UTC

PLEASE EVERYONE PLAY DREAD DELUSION- INCLUDING THE BESTIES GANG . IF YOU LOVE MORROWIND OR OBLIVION ITS THE ONE

Joshua Whitmore-lyons

2024-12-24 01:17:48 +0000 UTC

Maybe the only Batman book that I have read is Court of Owls, but I really enjoyed it! Its a solid few issues.

Josh Wolff

2024-12-24 01:17:46 +0000 UTC

Have you looked into DIE? Both the Comic and TTRPG?

Jim Redding

2024-12-24 01:17:36 +0000 UTC

Honestly, one of the best things is, if you arent in the densest urban area, step outside on a cold winter night, and just lool up at the stars for a few minutes. Pair it with some music if you want, or just look up. It's a nice way to let the stress of the day go.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:17:13 +0000 UTC

I actually think I have that on Epic from blindly taking free game off it! I'll have to try it out!

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:17:00 +0000 UTC

If you are looking for well made time travel shows I would recommend either Dark on Netflix or the “12 monkeys” tv show. Both shows use time travel storytelling well which prevents them from writing themselves into a corner. It is very refreshing,

Earl S Prusak

2024-12-24 01:16:26 +0000 UTC

You might be into The Red Strings Club!

Leo Siebert

2024-12-24 01:16:13 +0000 UTC

Sweet. Will do!

Master Oogway

2024-12-24 01:16:05 +0000 UTC

Check out Heroes of Hammerwatch! (I think a second one is coming soon, too.)

AaronElWhite

2024-12-24 01:15:34 +0000 UTC

Anyone looking for a cool neo-noir Cyberpunk sci-fi animated film, check out Mars Express (rentable on a few platforms). It's a French production, but I watched with an English voice cast. It's amazing.

Bret Scofield

2024-12-24 01:15:31 +0000 UTC

I would like recommendations for self contained batman comic stories/runs(?). I've haven't read too much DC before and would like something with a set endpoint I can enjoy.

Jarl Snargl

2024-12-24 01:15:20 +0000 UTC

I'm always looking for things that capture the vibes of the X-Men or the Masks TTRPG, especially the young adults with various traumas and tangled relationships in a school for those with gifts and powers. As far as games go, nothing gets closer than Midnight Suns, of course, but Three Houses and Persona kinda get close. I'm not a fan of My Hero or most anime of that ilk, but I'm looking especially for video games and books with that vibe.

Stephen J. Lunatic

2024-12-24 01:14:51 +0000 UTC

I got my wife “Cloudspotting for Beginners”. We have a tradition that she gets one book she wants, one I think she’ll like, and a wildcard. This is this year’s wildcard 😁 https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/752113/cloudspotting-for-beginners-by-gavin-pretor-pinney-and-william-grill/

Pepe D Sapiens

2024-12-24 01:14:37 +0000 UTC

If anyone has never seen anime I highly recommend angel beats if you can find a way to stream it.

Whatsup Studmuffin

2024-12-24 01:14:36 +0000 UTC

I'm really looking for games doing interesting stuff with narrative. I'm really interested in 1000xResist, but I like games like Citizen Sleeper, Disco Elysium, and Chains of Senaar. Anything like that would be great, but really anything doing cool stuff with narrative I want to break into. If we're also giving out recommendations, I feel like nobody really played Judero this year and I REALLY liked that. Also God Hand. OH ALSO the Helltaker dev put out a new game called Awaria, and its pretty fucking good and free! And PLEASE CHECK OUT AKANE BANASHI, its the only other super good manga being put out by Shonen Jump besides Chainsaw Man and Show-ha Shoten imo and I feel like its getting sort of slept on!!!

Daniel

2024-12-24 01:14:35 +0000 UTC

Would love any recs for movies like I Saw the Tv Glow / We’re All Going to the Worlds Fair. Want more films with the lost media / analogue horror that aren’t full of schlocky jump scares 😅

Jerrod Schwarz

2024-12-24 01:14:29 +0000 UTC

Pretty stoked that season 3 of One Punch Man was announced.

Daveyzones

2024-12-24 01:14:15 +0000 UTC

Merry Holidays friends! I'd love to hear what some people are using to de-stress when you have a few minutes to yourself during these busy times.

Brute Farce

2024-12-24 01:14:02 +0000 UTC

It's now a holiday tradition to play Borderlands 2 co-op with my brother when we get back together at Christmas

Andrew Boggs

2024-12-24 01:13:42 +0000 UTC

Children of Morta was my surprise find and hit of this year (so stoked that Justin also found this game and spent time with it). Anything else out there that scratches this particular itch?

Master Oogway

2024-12-24 01:13:31 +0000 UTC

I am very into comics like Saga and The Wicked and the Divine. Looking for a game that is in the vibe of those - I really like RPGs

Josh Wolff

2024-12-24 01:13:31 +0000 UTC

Mister mosquito

Brody

2024-12-24 01:13:03 +0000 UTC

The Besties holiday recommendation swap

Comments

Oh shit I just saw this response - thanks!! Hope you like it! Funny story this film was actually inspired by the tragedy of NY Giraffe but all the names have been changed out of respect for the survivors, Fargo style

When Evil Lurks (2023).

Not sure if they're indie movies, but I really enjoyed No One Will Save You (2023), Underwater (2020), and Aniara (2019). I don't want to leave any kind of description as some people like to go into movies blind, though I should mention none of these are light hearted movies.

Not a cozy game, but a chill, slow paced, 2d (sci-fi horror) game I really enjoyed was Carrion.

I would have him look at any of the dishonored or fallout games.

Ooh a Tchaikovsky rec beyond Children of Time? I heard from a friend his other books are kind of a letdown after CoT so imma try this!

It's not quite directly in line, but Flight Sim is a pretty darn Dad-friendly game.

Thanks to all for the wonderful recs that will make my 2025 winter fun!! I recommend the movie M (1933). a very eerie thriller movie with remarkable acting for the time that plays with the early introduction of sound into film.

For All Mankind seems to have flown under about everyone's radar, but I ate it up. Alternate history space race (what if the Russians got to the moon first)? that spans about a decade per season - hoping for s5 release date soon!

A little older, but just in case since you didn't mention it - Ori and the Blind Forest/Ori and the Will of the Wisps are still among my favorites.

Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is a great multiplayer game (especially if you're LOTR fans)!

This was my podcast of the year for 2024. if you enjoyed it, watch "Turn Every Page", the 2022 documentary about the collaboration between Caro and his editor, Robert Gottlieb.

I really enjoyed Leap Year as a platformer that's brain heavy rather than actiony

At first there was so much going on I was overwhelmed, but now I’m totally hooked on Nikki. Currently twiddling my thumbs waiting for the devs to be finished with the 1.1 update!

I'll second Spiritfarer! Cute and fun, surprisingly heartfelt, definitely in the "Stardew Valley Adjacent" genre.

100% Mutazione! Coffee Talk is also a great short, cozy narrative game in the visual novel realm. I'm not sure if it's totally what you're looking for, but Factory Town on lower difficulty win conditions is very cozy for me. Pretty much infinite replayability.

Just in case you want to keep the Christmas vibes going https://store.steampowered.com/app/2450860/Lake__Seasons_Greetings/

Excellent rec!

Spiritfarer and Mutazione if you want story. And Fields of Mistria if you want farming/life sim!

I’ll check that one out! A buddy of mine likes Sanderson and recommended the Mistborn series, but I’ve heard great things about SA!

might be a little late but does anyone have any recs for 2d videogames w/ minimal skill/speed requirements? Looking for a game that's on the slow and cozy side, like Star dew valley/ac/etc. can be older!

if you’re still looking for a holiday game, i actually just started shenmue for this exact reason!

I didn't even know Muir wrote a novella outside the locked tomb series, I'm stoked to check it out. Seconding that Moira Quirk is amazing; she's one of those narrators that elevates the text. Her performance in Nona the Ninth absolutely made that book for me.

It was sooo worth it J and sid are obsessed with this other I believe in Santa Claus movie and I am soooo looking forward to it tonight!

If you looking for heartwarming and wholesome, I would recommend the anime Natsume Yuujinchou or Natsume Book of Friends. It already has a ton of seasons, and it’s pretty episodic, which is nice if you just want to pick at it.

I came here to rec infinity Nikki, so I'm super happy someone else here has been enjoying it!

For anyone who loves cute twee aesthetics and wandering around an open world just exploring and picking flowers: Infinity Nikki.

Completely agree, literally my all time favourite, been watching it with my family since i was way too young to watch it. on a quest to find anything that can compare!

If you haven't seen Notting Hill, run don't walk! It's genuinely funny and charming. The goat of that era of romcoms IMO

Seconding Children of Time!

If you like sci-fi, one of my favorite audiobooks ever is Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Hard science stuff tempered with empathy and humor, which the narrator does an awesome job with. And without spoiling, there are certain elements of the story that are just better in audio form.

Also Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky! Fascinating and heartfelt, one of my favorite sci-fi novels.

If you like survival craft type games, I've had an awesome time playing Grounded and Raft with friends. Done two complete Grounded playthroughs with different groups in fact. Building a base together is v collaborative.

Trine is a GREAT recc for this. I played Trine 4 with two friends and had a blast.

I'm a huge fan of co-op games, especially Overcooked 2, Moving Out, and Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime. Spiritfarer is also fun (but more emotional), and Baldur's Gate 3 has been v fun to play with friends. Palworld is also surprisingly good as a multiplayer game

I would recommend Invincible Fight Girl. It's on Max and just finished up the first season. It's also only 10 episodes. Really brings me back to Saturday morning cartoons and it's very fun. The premise is imagine if the world was entirely obsessed with DBZ-esque wrestling.

Which one are you referencing? Thank you !

I’m in love with her, if you like musicals listen to the waitress. She’s so fucking good

I cannot with Animal Well. I tried but it is not for me.

I have recently rediscovered Sara Bareilles and wondered how I’d forgotten about her for literally decades.

Sci-fi from the 90s and early 2000s is generally solid. BABYLON 5–the first season is good, but it takes off in Season Two and is one of the best shows I have ever seen. You have to watch Season One (and again, it’s not the strongest) because there is a lot of payoff in later seasons.

I have thoroughly enjoyed (and now finished) the SPQR series by John Maddox Roberts. Also good: The Night Circus and I always ALWAYS recommend The Storied Life of AJ Fikry. Wonderful wonderful book.

Gris?

The Dragon Prince is EXCELLENT, highly recommend.

I thought Departures (the Japanese movie with the cellist on the cover) was visually beautiful and just gorgeous in general.

Hazel is the best!

I just finished the audiobook for We Solve Murders by Richard Osman and absolutely loved it

This one for sure, it’s like Friesen but more wholesome a a bit less nostalgic.

I’ve been meaning to get to children of time for a while I hear great things

It's been a little while, but I think Spider-Man: Miles Morales is set around Christmas in NY. Wishing you best after a rough year!

Yess! They talked about "Hot Frosty" on Wonderful!

Not sure if it's WEIRD weird but A Guest in the House by Emily Carroll is gorgeous and I loved it

One of my go to games is Star Wars Battlefront 2 Galactic Conquest mode. Has anyone found any games that scratch that same itch of action strategy? Actraiser also hit it for me

Have you watched Hilda? or bee and puppycat? both not very long but very cute. should be on netflux

Hue?

Apple plus tv - Silo, Frontier, and even tho it's more future distopian severance

I'm going to check out both of these! Excited to try them out.

Clutch recommendation ;)

Dimension 20’s Never Stop Blowing Up game system is free on the dropout merch store Edit: if you don’t have dropout tv that’s a major recommendation. The best streaming service I have.

Can't believe I'm gonna have to play final fantasy after metaphor now 😂

I second this so much that I’m suspicious of OP not having heard of it before. I would add Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts on Netflix, not as good as Gravity Falls and really going for a different thing but I think if you like one you’ll like the other

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a unique and engaging couch co-op space shooter game that is always fun.

If you enjoy "The Adventure Zone" I would highly recommend "Tales From The Stinky Dragon" and "Dungeons and Daddies" - both D&D podcast with comedy internet creators with similar vibes.

I highly recommend Gravity Falls (I believe it's on Hulu). 2 Seasons, similar to the shows you mentioned.

One episode in and I am SO SOLD on Midnight Burger. Awesome rec.

I mean I'm certain you've already seen them but my friends and I just watched through Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra recently. ATLA is like, a perfect show, in my opinion. I've heard good things about Dragon Prince, maybe? Or the Nimona movie on Netflix?

Thanks for sharing!! I’ll check these out!

Looking for cartoon recs! My favorites include the Owl House, infinity train, Steven universe. I typically like wholesome and heartwarming. Would love recs from western animation or anime, the more obscure the better. Thanks besties

have you checked out Satisfactory (since the 1.0 release)? Recommending based off Factorio. It used to be just a strictly worse version in my mind, but it surprised the hell out of me with a very delightful experience this year :)

I've never beaten it but Chariot is charming as heck and a fun experience to share. It's a puzzle platformer where you're escorting a funeral casket to a crypt that its very choosey ghost approves of.

I love these recommendations, but unfortunately we are limited to…. Console games 😔

If you like your music heavy I've been really into Mindforce 🤘 and if you like good Hip Hop I've been loving BigXthaPlug

Gotta say I played recently on PS5 after it was discounted and updated and had a great time with hardly any issues. Never played DD1 but jumped in and had a blast

Try Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. Arguably the best puzzle game released this year, all search, no action! The controls can get fiddly and annoying (no idea why they haven't fixed it through a patch of some kind), but there's no game this year that made me feel smarter when I unravelled the puzzles.

Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus 🪷

Try Neva, it's much more vibey and has really cool visuals

Super Meat Boy rules! I have not tried the others yet, thanks 🙏

Uzumaki. And it was excellent! Tbf tho I haven’t read too many.