Vampire Crawlers and a Big Besties Update
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In this emotional and reflective episode of The Besties, the hosts discuss Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wild Card from Vampire Survivors, a fast-paced deck-building roguelite that adapts the core loop of Vampire Survivors into a turn-based card game. The team praises its tight design, momentum-driven card combos, and accessibility as a perfect 'airplane game,' though some note it lacks the depth and challenge of games like Slay the Spire 2. The episode also features a heartfelt farewell from Griffin McElroy, who announces he’s stepping down from the show due to ongoing carpal tunnel syndrome and the physical toll of gaming. He reflects on his 34-year career in video game journalism, expressing a desire to return to gaming for joy rather than obligation. The hosts honor his legacy, tease a potential live show, and confirm the show will continue with Griffin, Chris, and Ross, with Justin joining as a guest. The episode closes with updates on Blueprints' new colorblind mode, the upcoming Elden Ring movie, and recommendations for tech YouTube channels like Dammit Jeff and Switch and Click.
Vampire Crawlers is a successful genre adaptation of Vampire Survivors into a fast-paced, momentum-driven deck builder with strong card synergy mechanics.
Griffin McElroy is stepping down from The Besties due to chronic carpal tunnel syndrome, prioritizing his health and redefining his relationship with gaming.
The show will continue with Griffin, Chris, and Ross, with Justin joining as a guest, and a live show is in development for fall 2027.
Blueprints now features a colorblind accessibility mode on Steam, with a console release coming next week.
The Elden Ring movie is currently in production, directed by Alex Garland, and is set to release in the same year as the Zelda live-action film.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Cold Open: Real-Life Drama and Yellowstone
“Who's the real hero? Sidney. Yeah, probably. For sure, not even close.”
Introducing Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wild Card
“It's about the closest to an arcade deck builder roguelite that I can imagine because, I don't know, it moves at such a clip just like the original.”
Gameplay Analysis and Design Philosophy
The team compares Vampire Crawlers to other deck builders like Slay the Spire 2 and Monster Train, highlighting its streamlined decision-making and lack of deep strategic planning. They debate the impact of incremental upgrades and the game’s early access feel.
Griffin’s Farewell: Health and Career Reflection
“I would like to get back to playing video games that I, uh, in the limited time that I have where my hands feel like, you know, where I'm good and I'm not like doing some other thing.”
The Future of The Besties and New Direction
The hosts confirm the show will continue with Griffin, Chris, and Ross, with Justin joining as a guest. They tease a potential live show in fall 2027 and discuss the importance of preserving the show’s spirit while evolving.
“I would like to get back to playing video games that I, uh, in the limited time that I have where my hands feel like, you know, where I'm good and I'm not like doing some other thing.”
“I can't continue to promise that I will listen every week. So, I need you the listeners to really keep something in your heart.”
“Who's the real hero? Sidney. Yeah, probably. For sure, not even close.”
Hosts
Griffin McElroy
person
Justin McElroy
person
Ross Froschick
person
Christopher Thomas Plant
person
Vampire Crawlers
other
Vampire Survivors
other
Steam Controller
other
Valve
organization
Blueprints
other
Elden Ring
other
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