Game of the Year 2018: Day Five Deliberations

[@Choteron3]

1:47 Best story 53:14 Best ongoing game 1:48:53 Best looking game 2:36:55 Most dissappointing 3:53:17 Top 10 games of the year

[@khalilg.255]

how did you even...

[@ThePeppermintGeezer]

Cheers. Facundo!

[@SirTonk]

Thanks for doing something they should've done when it was uploaded!

[@billyez]

MVP right here. Thanks.

[@benjameshodges]

Best Game. Or in the words of Giant Bomb...a really good *one of those games*

[@steve4390]

Vinny Wins Best Adult 2018

[@sordel5866]

So true, he's been the MVP of these discussions this year.

[@twodumbcats390]

Vinny is a titan of the industry. I absolutely love him and this series of discussions solidifies that.

[@Toosimoo]

I know it's your job and you get paid for this, but seriously, thank you for doing these long form gaming discussions. They're so enjoyable to listen to.

[@Nuked519]

I love how Vinny goes into father mode when people start arguing.

[@TheSethcast]

He and Alex wouldn't even look at eachother during those parts. He basically called Alex "pig-headed" at one point because he wouldn't let the conversation move on without the most disappointed list being entirely comprised of his own picks.

[@TheFizzjunior]

Vinny is this year's MVP by a mile. Last year for me it was Ben. But Vinny is slaying every argument laid against him. The most disappointing game stand for Dan was beautiful. And Dan's argument and how Vinny backs it makes total sense. He's not invalidating Brad's or Alex's love for the game, he's truly standing up for Dan's disappointment. I think Dan is maybe a little underhanded in nominating it but his argument holds more water than Brad's or Alex's who just frankly don't want it on the list. They both come off looking petty.

[@boochtron]

RDR 2 is the best game this year without question. most overrated? god of war

[@TheFizzjunior]

@@boochtron Having finished both those games I personally disagree, but I respect your opinion. I'm still holding out hope for Dead Cells over here to take the crown.

[@boochtron]

@@TheFizzjunior dead cells was my favorite game of the year until i played RDR 2, also maybe i'll put celeste in front of it. i also can't beat the hand of the king so maybe that would put it at 2 for me but i dont know. it's definitely a top 5 game for me

[@ichbin8692]

@@boochtron Spoken like a true drone fanboi. There are clearly a lot of questions, otherwise there won't be videos like this.

[@ericmiller254]

@@boochtron overrated and disappointing are not the same thing A game that's expected to be a meta sore of 9+ by informed consumers is going to have a lot easier time being disappointing than a game like FO76 which anyone sane woudln't have imagined was going to be playable. No bethesda game is playable without mods. No one should have expected that game to be any good. Thus it's difficult to be disappointing. RDR2 on the other hand is basically rockstar's usual fare with TERRRRRRRRRIBLE pacing. Good story/characters. Terrible gameplay in their shooter lol. You'd think reskinning GTA III again would get old and they'd make shooting as much of a pain in the ass as the every other action. Nope same old shit....

[@MisterBrimm]

Vinny is right about everything.

[@picayune626]

I've enjoyed this GOTY more than the last few, also Kirby Star Allies was a unique choice for #1, but I support it.

[@Poppedcollar]

Getting really drunk with some friends and playing Kirby Star Allies was some of the most fun I had with gaming this year.

[@dchhaya983]

Kirby Star Allies with all the free DLC they added is actually really good!

[@RockBottomRiser21]

Mario Tennis Aces was a confusing second place too, their Nintendo fanboyism was really showing this year.

[@lowinterrence]

Excellent discussion. I LOVED that Dan pushed so hard for RDR2 and the passion coming from people against it's inclusion on most dissapointing.

[@j.d.3597]

That whole Most Disappointing discussion deserved a standing ovation in the end. I can't believe they came out of it with those results but man was it incredible to see the process

[@boochtron]

i'm disappointed in you

[@lowinterrence]

@@boochtron dad?!?

[@j.d.3597]

Dude that Most Disappointing debate was INSANE! So much passion!!

[@alanschmitt9865]

It was amazing because I can see the logic in both arguments. Brad is catching flak for it but on a certain level he's right; it looks strange for game that is top 5 on four of the staff's lists to also be on the list for Most Disappointing. But equally Dan's argument is so passionate and wisely plays on issues with the game that other staff members also had. They're both right.

[@guip1408]

I hope Vinny keeps doing this job forever.

[@markymark637]

:(

[@Crundmama]

dammit :(

[@vgranito]

Technically he is still doing “this” job just at a different company. So still an L but maybe a lowercase one? Hopefully he comes back for this years GOTY

[@reshypoo9447]

Kinda agree with Dan (feels like a first). No one on GB staff cared enough about 76 to play the Beta or review it - prior to the quicklook 76 effectively didn't exist. Expectations must have been pretty damn low for no one to pre-order it for beta access. This is GB's list, and if no one really played it... There are more than enough people who are passionate about 76 already curb-stomping it, nothing is added for those out of the loop to join in.

[@LastMinuteGuess]

The most disappointing section was like watching British Parliament at work.

[@bobbydyne]

Brad, King of Hyperbole.

[@ryandlv]

Extremely appreciate the attention R6: Siege got during this video. Shout out to Dan and Vinny and even Mike Mahardy!

[@bradleybindle6428]

Michael Alvin Mahardyson led me to the valley of Siege too. If it weren’t for him, I would not have the best multiplayer shooter out right now.

[@KyleHarrisonRedacted]

I was worried R6 wasnt gonna get it's due just knowing it's not this groups cup of particular tea. Even just an acknowledgement was fine with me, but then the conversation happened and holy shit it made me happy

[@lihan1234]

Just wanna say that Vinny Caravella is one of my favorite critics of all time, and is 1 of the best commentators when it comes to articulating n debating and relating in these GOTY deliberations

[@Poppedcollar]

Wildcard Jason is my favorite part of this GotY.

[@WhoahNoww]

sassy boi jason

[@ryandlv]

Dan redeeming himself for mentioning that he forgot the Blades of Chaos moment during Best Moment. Props homie. Last day baby! LETS GO!

[@Geinrendour]

I was honestly baffled he forgot it. It was the most singular moment in gaming for me and I haven't even played the old God of War games.

[@MrJeremyKM]

WIthout Vinny making that incredible rebound and assist for Dan's RDR 2 vote(in most disappointing), it would have been dropped way sooner. Additional kudos to him for pointing out the odd system Brad goes by in terms of game inclusion on a list.

[@flux_casey]

That was a fascinating deliberation over the big 10. I think God of War got unfairly snubbed in best story and you guys didn't give that game enough credit in that category, but beyond that there was some great insight shared and I once again have a list of games to catch up on from this year. Thanks GB!

[@DJVulpus]

Celeste was robbed, Vinny MVP, Dan won.

[@liquidocelot4118]

I wasted 3 years of my life playing Destiny 1 & 2; hearing anyone talk about it as a potential award winner for any category gives me a tummy ache. Good podcast though!

[@mattg6106]

I'll agree with them that Forsaken did a lot to change D2 for the better but that game still suffers so so many problems and the Black Armory DLC has done nothing but add issues on top of that. At this point I'm pretty confident in saying that the only thing that holds up D2 in any capacity these days is the gunplay. Instead of taking advantage of any potential in story, gameplay, events, etc., they created for that series they just doubled down on, 'let's make it the same game again because that's at least guaranteed money with the fanbase.'

[@Fidel_Cashflow]

JUST ONE MORE AWARD ARTHUR

[@NoSurprisesDrew]

Fidel Cashflow ‘WE’RE NOT GOING TO WIN GAME OF THE YEAR DUUUTCCH’ ‘ FAITH, ARTHUR, HAVE SOME GOD DAMN FAITH’

[@Ask4This]

This is why we didn't get most disappointing category for 2019 lol.

[@VargRising]

I think it is safe to say that if someone doesn't love Vinny they have NO HEART and NO BRAIN

[@mxchump]

Have watched very little East Coast Giant Bomb, but Vinny made a fan for life lmao, expressed my exact opinion on RDR2

[@Poppedcollar]

Look up Beastcast Song of the Deep South. It's from the Austin days, but you will instantly be an East Coast fan.

[@boochtron]

and you have a wrong opinion :p

[@Armaan8014]

East is best

[@mikemaciaszek3508]

My new favorite tradition for this time of year is to listen to these while playing through the new AC games. It's just so nice to veg out and listen to your discussions while playing those massive games. Seems like I'll need to find a different game for next year though!

[@xpantherx]

Congrats to Astro Bot for best game of 2018. I just started watching but surely that wins!

[@boochtron]

LOL no no no no. A vr game? stop it

[@evklinken]

boochtron a VR game did win lol

[@boochtron]

@@evklinken i don't count that as a vr game. it's like saying RE 7 was a vr game. its a game you can play in vr

[@justinw1384]

Astrobot should have won best moment at least imo. The whale level is it for me. I’ve never smiled and been as surprised and in awe of a video game as playing that level. The boss battles are also a close second best moment in a game full of my most memorable moments in a video game in 2018.

[@boochtron]

@@justinw1384 not everyone played it. it's on psvr man... not everyone gave the wii u praise when it had some great games. giant bomb did but in general no.

[@Allsouls78]

The Farmer's Insurance "Crab monsters? We covered it." joke not landing in the room makes me sad. It was a great joke that was totally unappreciated in the room.

[@chrisd6736]

Winston Smith- Youre not the only one who appreciated that joke.

[@DosColasClips]

I don't think they all could have said "vehemently" more during Most Disappointing.

[@kylebryan5771]

Says a lot about the site and staff that you can have hours and hours of intense debate, but still finish by laughing and enjoying each others company, loved listening this year

[@ryanwiseman9141]

"10 hours in it's fun" is a bad sell for me at least

[@Ivan4Flores]

Gotta say, this format was a great improvement. Although the game discussions of the first three days could have been distributed a bit differently, I felt like it did bring out better and focused conversations for the topic the games were nominated for in the last two days. And besides "Most Disappointing," the deliberations themselves ended up being much more smooth and coherent than some previous years. And great top 10!

[@CalebHatesGames]

I really wasn't expecting much from this year's GOTY discussion, mainly because I was personally disappointed with most of the games that came out this year, but I really, really enjoyed all of these videos. I really like how you guys started with discussions of each individual game before going into your set categories, it really gave each game an opportunity to shine. And man, I really have to commend Vinny on his patience and passion in these conversations. He blew my mind in the Obra Dinn conversation, and moved me to tears in the Florence bit. What a swell dude. The only thing I would say is that some of the categories still seem a bit unclear, namely the Style and Debut, but these were small issues in an otherwise great series of discussions. Thanks for doing these. I know they're a lot. Happy New Years to you all!

[@RonnieBarzel]

Considering how much he loved “Pac-Man: CE Dx,” I wonder what Ryan would’ve thought about “Tetris Effect.”

[@dageekynerd2898]

Dan kept receipts tho!

[@sflurp]

Can we nominate these GB GOTY sessions for 2019's Hottest Mess category?

[@SugarGorilla]

Brad is so insufferable in these discussions. He's the only one that doesn't even try to compromise and listen to anyone else's opinions about Red Dead 2 or Destiny 2. You'd think they were his own fucking creations by the way he shills for them. That being said I loved everything else and the format this year is way better imo.

[@clayr6724]

They literally did compromise by attrition because Dan dug his heels in. Both Brad and Alex repeatedly said they weren't discounting his experience. Dan was the one who refused to compromise. Then, because everyone at the table realized they could not proceed because Dan would not compromise, they gave in. No one else wanted it on the most disappointing list until realizing Dan would not let up. That is what happened. Dan did "hijack" that category.

[@mechaluke]

@@clayr6724 No, Alex literally said he wouldn't be happy unless three specific games were the three most disappointing. Dan was trying to get a SINGLE game in, and he actually made phenomenal points as to why it should be there. I don't have any allegiance to any of them, as this is the only thing I watched by them, so I'm not fanboying here.

[@Sineidal]

Mechaluke exactly! Dan was so chill and focused even when getting ignored by brad and Alex. I see brads point in a way. But Alex’s audacity when saying he wouldn’t be happy if his three games wouldn’t make it intro the top three, was just baffling.

[@VanillaBear99]

That most disappointing conversation was spicy

[@tissot233]

Love that I love that exchange about Hitman 2 at 4:30:10

[@doyker]

I can see where Dan is coming from with Red Dead. Personally I enjoyed the game but I was also disappointed by it. The story, graphics and music are incredible but the controls are so incredibly clunky feeling and the shooting is just bad.

[@moonpixiess]

brad turns into an unrepentant baby whenever he's told he's wrong

[@spamrisk2018]

Thank you all for the hard work you do and these end of year vids are more than a bonus they are MAGIC.

[@dereklimwaikit6286]

Love each and everyone of you for pouring out your heart for these discussions. It's NUTS how intense these be at times but that speaks alot about your passion of videogames, as are all of us here at the comment sections. You guys crazy! 2019 whatupppp.

[@alanschmitt9865]

I'm surprised that no one said that 10 hours is an unacceptable amount of time for it to take for a game to onboard new players. I get that Brad eventually fell in love with RDR and more power to him for getting through those ten hours, but still. TEN. HOURS. It's not okay for a game to take that long to teach a player its rules.

[@Demonicon]

The more I watch Giant Bomb's top 10 GOTY the more I accept the results and appreciate the process. Thanks for the great content! Looking forward to GOTY 2019!

[@ottolehto]

Great conversations. Vinny is a real gentleman! :)

[@ancrathjustice8516]

I just have to say, I have enjoyed listening/watching to you guys discuss and debate over the past week. It's really enlightening seeing the sausage get made. I enjoyed the hell out of this format and hope it sticks.

[@CaffeinatedKing]

I've said it before, but Vinny is a treasure.

[@Juno672]

1:22:51 - Wet fart

[@Jampackfy]

Hooray!!!! Day two of the actual awards was contentious but respectful and awesome. Thanks guys.

[@teamramrod27]

I think Red Dead should have won Best Looking, but calling the single shot work in God of War a gimmick is crazy to me. That really made the entire game feel like a journey. It fully supported the narrative and story they were telling. Feels like it’s just getting lumped in with the admittedly bad trend in film where people use it for nothing more than clout. Just one man’s opinion. Great work GB!

[@RockBottomRiser21]

I think it becomes a gimmick and an empty act of grandstanding from the devs when the game then interrupts it by having you spend time in menus with not very good RPG mechanics. Would have been better if it did that leveling up aspect organically through the game's world.

[@teamramrod27]

Steven While that is a fair point, I guess that never affected things for me because I wouldn’t open up the menus unless I was secluded and had a moment to breathe. You also have to shut the game off at points right? I think it’s still effective when your brain isn’t naturally divorcing video game and story.

[@jesseth.7032]

@@RockBottomRiser21 TBF Corey Barlog said he tried to make the menus in game too by actually socketing gems and stuff into the axe in game, and armor and all that, but they said it was too difficult to understand and clunkier than what we got. Also the no cut camera, in my opinion, isn't a gimmick at all. For one, a lot of people including myself see the no cut camera as revolutionary in games because no game has ever done that before (at least on this scale) it take tremendous amounts of blocking and scene planning and it really does make the journey feel continuous and unbroken. Case in point, I'm playing Horizon zero dawn right now, and while I'm loving it, that game has much easier times to take breaks from it while, for me at least, God of War was 100 times more immersive because of the no cut camera. I feel that the camera is an achievement, not a gimmick

[@boochtron]

it is a gimmick. whenever i'm moving slow or carrying a boar, riding something. i'm just moving slow and in my mind i'm thinking "it's to load the stupid background isn't it". it pisses me off so much. the limitations of that game smack me in the face and takes me out of the experience

[@jesseth.7032]

@@boochtron Well to be fair the game has to load at some point and that's better than load screens for one because at least you can move and interact in some ways. Also even if they didn't have the one shot camera, I'm sure stuff like that (as in the elevator stuff and all that) wouldve been done anyways if they chose to not have loading screens lol. Uncharted does the same thing where it loads stuff in the background constantly. The elements you're talking about aren't a byproduct of the one shot camera, its a byproduct of wanting no loading screens which would probably have been the choice even without the no cut camera. The only ways to get the loading done are load screens, behind cut scenes (which they already do so they would need many more unnecessary cut scenes if they wanted to do the loading without the screens), I guess they could've slowed movement down even more to give stuff time to render but that would be very annoying, and there's probably some other tricks but idk. I get where you're coming from but for me, even though I knew what the game was doing, it didn't bother me so much just because I would play with my abilities and move around and practice stuff. Also, even though those elevators and tight squeeze spaces did act as loading areas, they at least feel natural in the world. If you have to get up to a higher point, you take an elevator. If you have to squeeze through a tight space, you do it. Once again, I get your points and can respect that, I'm just saying it didn't bother me personally, they have to get the loading done at some point, and all those spots where the game loads without loading screens actually takes a lot of planning as well and can be seen as a smart deliberate choice (like world design and all that). That's just my take on it though, not fact just my opinion.

[@DrevorReal]

This couldn't have been more exhilarating if it was directed. So many twists, so much drama!

[@W1NGMAN001]

I decided to skip every other deliberation day after the borefest that was Day 1, did I make the right choice?

[@dereka415]

I love listening to this every year. Thank You!

[@superstrat5826]

Brad explained well why RDR2 is special (could've took it further if he wanted in fact, but everyone else kept butting in). Arthur himself influences the decisions I make while playing to the point where "gameyness" washes away to the back of my brain. When I play that game, I don't think "what's the most fun thing to do right now?". I think "What is the RIGHT thing to do right now? What would Arthur do right now?" RPGs might've evoked that immersive feeling somewhat with less defined characters where you shape them and mold them from a blank-slate, but unfortunately, mostly blank-slate protagonists simply cannot resonate the kind of emotion RDR2 creates with it's fully fleshed character storytelling. Definitely not in my experience at least and I've played hundreds, there's always something lacking or "fake" about it, even the better ones. I think evoking this level of immersion fully at this scale is something that only a studio with all the resources in the world can create. Because EVERY single aspect of the game needs to mix together well enough or the illusion is lost, and EVEN THEN it might not resonate depending on the person playing. I'm not saying RDR2 is perfect in this regard either because there are occasions where the spell is broken, it just does it better than any game I've seen to this point.

[@DaRealDJ]

Except then it makes you kill an entire town worth of people in order to free an asshole psychopath from jail and wants to get his guns back.

[@themooddoom9062]

No Path of Exile or Warframe in ongoing. Shame.

[@dozerking]

exactly my thoughts as well. How a major gaming site doesn't have at least one person on the panel in 2018 that can speak for POE or Warframe is flat out ridiculous

[@RyanzLair]

SO MUCH THIS. How does not a single person on the panel play the best ever ARPG and actual spiritual successor to D2? New leagues every 3 months with interesting content that changes the game. New expansions every 6 months. Devs stay in contact with the community and make changes based on their feedback in a timely manner. AND ITS FREE. This game is HANDS DOWN the best ongoing game for every year for the past 5 years.

[@WarMasterX6]

I suppose if Brad can have his 11th best goty spot for Destiny, Dan can have RDR2 after his fit.

[@MikeSW]

As someone who also got into the idea of roleplaying Arthur early on: I see the old flame stuff as being a bit mishandled. Arthur would absolutely NOT aid someone like that at that point in the game - you shouldnt even be given the option to accept the mission because doing that changes so much about what Arthur is. You get a lot of dialogue preceding that moment and it makes it clear what Arthur wants, how he has failed/what he regrets and what delusions he has/ how he views himself. The idea that he would willfully take on the role of errand boy in service of a relationship gone bunk is fucking ridiculous. She would be the victim of his frustrations more than anything else.

[@eddeh0772]

6:01:22 - the most comedy camera cut to a technician WAY over the job he signed up for! Love it! (Thank you for your service!)

[@Fabian-vn2im]

Abby nailed it. It took me just as long to reach the high point for GOW as it did for RDR2 but the payoff for RDR2 is just absolutely through the roof like few other games

[@superstrat5826]

Game of the year is basically "What game pissed people off the least?"

[@MegaRyogahibiki]

Really disappointed that Path of Exile wasn't in the ongoing discussion. Huge oversight.

[@AlexJames840]

Final counts are in. Abby adjusted her mic a total of 8,465,187 times over the 5 days of deliberations.

[@RetroMyke]

Still less than the amount of times Jeff tightens the thumb screws on his on any given podcast.

[@AwesomeNick94]

Celeste got cut from the Best Game list, and basically without any consideration. What.

[@tylerblair318]

AwesomeNick94 it’s honestly not that great. Just reminded me of a very simple basic “Hey let’s make a modern pixel platformer.” Doesn’t feel any more special to me than like Shovel Knight or any of those games in that vain.

[@rickysix_]

I know, This is mind blowing. Celeste is the best game of the year!

[@AwesomeNick94]

Rickard Andersson I’d call it more revealing than mind blowing, unfortunately. Kinda seems like if it’s a platformer that’s not Mario Maker then nobody at Giant Bomb cares. Which is fine, just disappointing for me as it’s probably my favorite genre.

[@bigdavet99]

I'd love to see reactions from the people that jump into Forsaken after listening to Brad. He flat left out the 100-200 hour grind to be able to play all that "amazing" dreaming city content that he claims you can spend an hour or 2 a week and make "real" progress.

[@jesseth.7032]

Im gonna be honest when I say I don't get the deal with the performamce criticisms of God of War. i think I saw that game drop frames like twice and thats when I had a bunch of enemies on screen and used all my crazy runic attacks

[@evidicus]

Hot take: The divide between Peter Parker and Dr. Octavius was more impactful and far better told than the divide between Arthur and Dutch. Great writing shows instead of tells. We got to see Octavius as a sympathetic character before his descent into villainy. But in RDR2, we were only told how great Dutch was in the past. Very little time was spent on showing his redeeming qualities. I sympathized with Parker at the end of Spider-Man. But at the end of RDR2, I just thought Arthur was an idiot for not shooting Dutch in the head about 30 hours earlier.

[@Rathbaume]

you are right that is a hot take and i couldnt disagree with you more.

[@NamesRito]

Just wanted to say I fucking love all of you. Started with 2015 discussions. I want more, so ima fo back to the beginning...

[@TheKarmak]

Destiny 2 as best ongoing game? Were you guy's paid by Bungie for this? Cause holy shit!

[@RetroMyke]

Jan, you the real MVP!

[@kiesears5612]

I definitely agree with Dan's opinion on Red Dead 2 the mission structure and animations were so laboured and slow, especially as it was basically ride somewhere shoot people ride away. I completed the main narrative and majority of side content but never really did care for Arthur in all honesty. I actually gained more attachment to him when playing as John when seeing or hearing anything about Arthur being referenced.

[@RJreviews]

Well, now i know to WATCH these things as oppose to LISTEN to them in my podcast app. So much context happening behind the words. In the eyes, in these faces. That was a fantastic show and i had a fucking blast. Here's to another awesome year for games.

[@RJreviews]

And btw, Abby's my girl.

[@RobSomeone]

I'm happy how muchattention Tekken 7 got in best ongoing. That's a game I keep coming back to.

[@oyesiamtomsawyer2]

Last year was super stressful - this year was amazing. You fought the good fight brad. Happy New Year dudes.

[@CPTHAP]

That was a heck of an adventure.Still surprised that Knack 3 won.(also I disagree with Dan, but I will defend his decision to the death. RDR2 is a great game, but not only can I see that it can be disappointing to people who really like how snappy RDR1 played, but I also like the diversity of staff members who liked it and staff members who were disappointed by it)

[@BackwardsCombatable]

Loved it. Thanks for these episodes guys!

[@sflurp]

Don’t get me wrong, Tetris Effect is pretty cool (I even like Space Enya). But it’s hilarious that everyone had to compromise and nominate the “best least offensive game” as GOTY because everyone’s actual GOTY would never lead to consensus. The previous days of deliberation really irritated me with the overload of passive aggressiveness kicking around the table, but at least Tetris Effect is not as embarrassing as PUBG as a GOTY. Kudos to Jeff for growing up. It’s pretty mature, compromising on Tetris Effect.

[@Geinrendour]

I'm just happy God of War is above Red Dead 2 and it won best looking.

[@boochtron]

ewww god of war

[@mogwai_for_sale]

@Neon Noir based on what? technical realism? how about the inspired art direction of god of war? there is nothing daring or imaginative about red dead 2's visuals despite how pretty it is. maybe some people prefer visuals that deviate from the realism of the shitty world we currently live in.

[@boochtron]

@Neon Noir the thing is that they played RDR 2 on a ps4 pro. i haven't played god of war or any ps4 game in 4k. i only have a standard ps4. i haven't been impressed with a single sony exclusive to the extent others have. 4k resolution is so noticeable to me. god of war and spiderman didn't impress me. i haven't played enough of detroit to comment on that. not even horizon last year. i mean they look fine

[@boochtron]

@@nichescenes huh? RDR 2 is not short

[@nichescenes]

@@boochtron sorry i your right. I didnt see that part...ill delete my comment.

[@christiand2016]

This is absolutely fantastic! I can’t stress how much I’ve loved watching this!

[@ChipWarriors]

Is Jeff's ps4 broken? God of war runs at a steady 30, which is normal for console games.

[@lastking343]

Jeff only like multiplayer games

[@boatknight2246]

The Heat that Red Dead brings is interesting, everyone is still friendly but because Red Dead is so loved it gets a weird reaction when others are not as in love. But no one hates it.

[@606hunter1]

The only game I finished that released this year was valkyria chronicles 4. Other than that I played the remake of Radiant historia, trails in the sky, xenoblade chronicles 2, and replayed some old games. This year just has very few games that appealed to me but I loved the passion this year that the deliberations had. I also really appreciated Vinny and Jeff helping keep the most disappointing discussion civil. Good luck next year and whenever cyberpunk comes out. I imagine there will be some differing opinions once that's out because of the sky high expectations.

[@cyberexile3507]

i know none of you probably play it, but not having path of exile in top 3 best ongoing games was a mistake, which just had 2 of its best leagues ever in a single year, back to back.

[@Matterblast]

Man if I had these sorts of debates with my buds, I wouldn't want to see them for at least a few months. They're freaking colleagues, and they have to spend all day with each other.

[@huaweilayhill9182]

6:01:36 "Shut your [expletive] mouth" -- Abby to Jeff

[@Racmaster00]

Alex really dropped the ball on trying to get Yakuza into top 3 for best story. He was my only hope and he sold that ending so short.

[@scampjot]

About RDR2 being too good to be on the most disappointing list: I think that looking back at Giant Bomb's 2018 Game of the Year Awards, it's actually IMPORTANT to have RDR2 on that list to show how divisive the game was.

[@GulfBlvd]

Brilliant work guys, I've been positively enamored with this whole discussion

[@Derayne33]

There is no drop in the quality of the gaming experience from RDR to RDR2. If anything, 2 was better and created a richer world with more to see and do. I loved and admired the chances taken in creating a lifelike western in both games. They are both great games and I cant find anything to be disappointed about in RDR2. The RDR franchise is alive and well where Fallout has been destroyed.

[@sukibhamra5086]

Jason... I'm with you on Tekken!

[@Cakeyyama]

Damn, Most Disappointing got intense.

[@justinw1384]

Ben: I’d like to add Donut County to the best story list. “Okay let’s put it on here, and now let’s just take it off.” I liked Donut County but thinking it might be one of the best stories in video games for 2018 is nuts.

[@KyleHarrisonRedacted]

I don't quite get the argument for dropping BFV for Best Looking presented by Jeff "it's looked that good for a while" type thing. But that's the thing, Dice is frigging stellar at visual fidelity and audio design. Those are areas they absolutely excel at. Just because dice keeps pumping out consistently excellent looking games, doesn't automatically disqualify their products for maintaining a high standard in visuals. If it's visually excellent, regardless of other projects from the same studio preceding it, and released within the year in question, that can't be argument against keeping it. I get the "giant bomb list" in that if no one's played it and it's hard to drum up impassioned argument to keep it around then it goes, but to dismiss because "this series has always looked good" in an award about looking good, shouldn't that say something about being able to maintain a level of bar raising that other contemporaries constantly keep trying to match or outdo? Rant over, but I see this argument a lot in the other cateogriesr over the years, and it drives me bonkers every single time.

[@drachmalius6126]

Here we go

[@BATMANisMYmum]

Jeff is right! and i love Vinny!!!!

[@umiluv]

RDR2 sounds like my ultra modded (200 mods) Skyrim. I loved having to bathe, eat, cook, sleep, and read the books i found during my adventures.

[@AndyLinsenbardt]

Jan...those cuts at the end...so good...

[@MikeSW]

I feel like the Vinny/Brad contention over Brads view of the wilderness aspects of RDR2 breaks down to Brad wrongly saying, "Red Dead 2 is minecraft" and Vinny pointing out that, "Red Dead 2 is not minecraft" and to put stock in an experience that was for the most part impressed upon the game rather than intrinsic to how it functions is weird especially if you are then going to call out someone for taking it upon themselves to run everywhere in spite of that maybe not being advantageous. In other words, there is no REAL value in doing the things Brad praises. The things that matter are the more linear and scripted parts of the game.

[@joefarmer2253]

Vinny is the fucking MVP for moderating the contentious parts of the deliberations