Great premise that needs a little execution polish
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“PROS: Great concept of "KIng of the hIll" best game format
CONS: Uneven on-air talent, unclear rules / judging criteria
I've listened to hundreds of hours of McElroy goodness via "MBMBaM", "Satellite Dish" and "Gamers with Jobs" and look forward every week to their comedy stylings and ,at times, wonderful insight they wrap in their comedy burritos.
So I was definitely looking forward to a McElory influenced podcast about gaming. Listening to the "Besties" has opened my personal video game horizons to some new experiences and is a fresh take on the "out this week" format on gaming journalism.
However, the show can be better. With their "genetic dispostion for radio" as Justin put it , and their experience of working together from "MBMBaM", Justin and Griffin McElory come across the cast with stronger on-air presence. That said, I have to give much kudos to Russ Frushtick for his bravery and starting to develop into his own with the "Tribes jingle" and "French My-craft Developer" bit. ( As an aside, listening to "The Besties" makes me realize and appreciate Travis McElroy's ability in MBMBaM to rescue comedy/advice bits when they are going wrong - ex "Teen CEO PSA - "I cut expenses just to feel".)
Also , because the rules of the King of the Hill format are still somewhat unclear, this can lead to some awkward decision making and discussion between the cast. Politicking for votes or a best game getting booted off for flimsy reasons has occurred. But this is still a relatively "new" show - for example I feel "Stuff You Should know" didn't really get into its groove until Chuck and Josh become the hosts which was about ten or so shows in...
Some possible suggestions
- Have a clear host that also serves as the referee for the discussion. Since the format is adversarial by its very nature, there has to be someone who is outside to arbitrate the rules, keep the flow of the show and moderate the on-air personalities. For example, Justin does this well with Sydnee on "Satellite Dish" in extracting wonderful comedy from their interactions ("What's the Dish, girl??") but you can also have a rotating host chair ala "Gamers With Jobs" to give others practice at the hosting chair and keep the podcast fresh.
- To prevent something like "Journey" happening again, a game that stays on as "King of the Hill" for a certain amount of time gets a "Game of the Year" tag , removed from weekly contention, and becomes part of an end of year discussion. Think old format "Jeopardy" where a 5 day champion was retired and then invited back for the Tournament of Champions.
So I wish much success to the Polygon enterprise and this podcast, with a little bit of polish, is a definite welcome addition to the Verge.”Read full review »
Chris L. Fernando via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/30/12
More reviews of The Besties
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“Only started listening to it but started listening to it from the very beginning. It has me in stitches every episode.”
Rampaged Death via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
06/03/12
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“I have listened to this podcast since the first episode continually hoping it would get better. It hasn't. The hosts spend literally 80% of the show trying to tell bad jokes. They are smug and overly amused with themselves and have little respect for their audience. The fact that they...”Read full review »
EternalGamer2 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/19/12
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“Uniquely funny for a podcast about video games. Highly recommended.”
HotChex via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/06/12
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