I still don't understand what the heck Inside was supposed to be about. I hear so many folks rave about how it was so brilliant, but I just didn't get it...
Neat flesh wad, though!
INSIDE is very similar to LIMBO, but it's a bit more complex in terms of its game play mechanics. That said, while I don't think INSIDE as a whole is that more much interesting than LIMBO, I have to say that the point at which you play as the "flesh wad" at the end is pretty incredible, though it's something you'd need to play to really understand and get the full effect of.
Basically, you spend so much of INSIDE playing as a small boy, so you're limited in terms of strength, yet you can obviously manipulate things to a finer degree of detail. Once the boy becomes part of the "flesh wad" near the end of the game, you basically have to re-learn all of the game's mechanics, as you're suddenly very strong (to the point that you can smash through walls) but can no longer manipulate things so finely, causing you to have to rely on help from others when you previously wouldn't have needed it.
The sequence at the end puts a lot of trust in the player to re-learn the game play mechanics, and it's weirdly intuitive, despite the fact that you go from controlling a small human boy to controlling this massive collection of mashed-together bodies that feels and acts so differently. It's just a really cool sequence, and I honestly hadn't been that blown away by a game since I played Another World in middle school in the mid-90s.
I can understand why Jeff was so down on the game during the GotY deliberations that year, but I really wish there'd been more discussion on the significance of that end sequence, as there's really nothing else like it, in my opinion.
Ron is so right that every year GiantBomb picks a pretentious game for game of the year!
Edit: Hey, I don't get the Chromecast either.
Yeah, I feel as though Chromecast holds more appeal with people who are okay with using their phones or tablets as TV remotes or something. I hate using my Chromecast with my phone or tablet, but I'll often stream stuff to it from my PC, since I can see my TV from my desk, as well. I'd probably use Chromecast more if it had its own built-in UI, though.
I had no idea who Ron Funches even was before listening to this, but I totally agree with the statement that he should join them for Game of the Year deliberations. Hilarious episode so far.
@garwalk: Probably the biggest reason Vinny didn't have a good time with SotN is that the chat for that game was absolutely awful. Screaming non-stop 'advice' about how to play (it's why he used the stupid Shield Rod the whole time), criticizing his play, and pretty much not letting him explore the game for himself. It's probably one of the biggest reasons why they seem to be flying solo on this, and I'm glad that they're just figuring things out on their own.
Yeah, the chat during SotN was terrible. I recall one point at which someone suggested that he turn around and go the other way when he was pretty close to a save point, only for him to die and lose half an hour or so of progress.
Vinny v Zangetchu was pretty close, I also had problems with him & had to use all my potions & food to defeat him. I feel like he is close to defeating him, but he could also open the fast travel room just outside of the boss room & travel back to the village to open the base one. There you can upgrade etc. + now he has the base travel point unlocked. That being said, I'm never going to doubt Vinny.
I wish they would've placed that village teleporter room in a more obvious location. It's weird to me that Waystones take you to the room just below it. Why not just have the village teleporter room in that same room?
@kevinski: The litmus test I've always used for "Is this Metal Slug or is this Contra" is if the enemies hurt you by touching you or not.
I hadn't thought about that, though I was more so referring to how the game feels in terms of character movement. That said, I do wish more side-scrollers used the Metal Slug damage model, as I do think it's silly for player characters do die simply from bumping into enemies.
didn't the bombcast do the metal gear quiz? am i crazy, or have they doubled up on emails again?
This happens a lot between the two podcasts. Someone out there must've devised an algorithm to ensure that their emails somehow get read by two sets of very different people from week to week.
@kevinski: Haha, me too. I almost did it with Celeste but finally broke down after playing some Mario levels and ordered both the joycon replacement and the Satisfye grip. I only play my Switch handheld so I should've done it sooner. It's a HUGE improvement in user experience. Makes it so much more comfortable. The grip makes making slightly awkward because it's a little too heavy to hold with one hand now, but that's a minor drawback to massive improvements.
I'm already uncomfortable holding the Switch with just one hand, because I don't want to put much pressure on the Joy-Con rails. I may look into the Satisfye grip, as it looks like it at least makes the overall setup much more stable-feeling, since it effectively makes it feel like one big piece.
On the subject of the Joy-Con rails, I also think it's dumb that Nintendo doesn't have the Switch slide down into the Joy-Con, as it seems like an odd decision to have have the Joy-Con supporting the weight of the system itself when you're holding it.
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