Home
Creators
Search Recent Random
Posts
Search DMs Popular Hash Lookup Tags Random
Importer
Import FAQ
Register Favorites Keys Review DMs Logout
Community
Telegram ThePornDude
Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout

Submit Your Question For The MinnMax Show Podcast (Patreon)

Published:
2025-02-04 19:00:09
Imported:
2026-06
Tags:

Content

This week for community questions on the podcast, we'll have Ben Hanson, Kelsey Lewin, Jacob Geller, and Haley MacLean. It's your turn to make the show better by leaving a question, news story, BetterQuest goal, or anything else for us to read on the show as a comment below! We’ll choose our favorite and iam8bit will ship out the great prize below for the winner! We'll stop pulling questions around 8am Central on Wednesday.

On this week’s episode we’ll be talking about...

Our most-anticipated games of 2025

Monster Hunter Wilds

Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To

Citizen Sleeper 2

Everybody at the Backstage Pass tier can watch us record the show live on Wednesday at 3pm Central, with an exclusive pre and post show. The unedited archive will be available to view after the fact. You could do us a favor by subscribing to the audio version of the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app, telling a friend, leaving a review, and subscribing to our YouTube channel!

https://apple.co/3lRbzbE

https://www.youtube.com/minnmax

You can also find this physical version of Sea of Stars on the Nintendo Switch for sale in iam8bit’s online store, and you can use the promo code BEMYPLAYERTWO for 10% off everything under $100. Psst… please don’t post that promo code anywhere else on the internet. It’s a MinnMax-exclusive thing. https://www.iam8bit.com/collections/all

Files

Comments

Jeremy (FuzzyGruzzy)

What's an example of a simple problem with a complicated fix?

Travis in Fargo

Does it bother you when musicians rhyme a word with that same word again?

Travis in Fargo

In real life, would you rather add to your health bar or stamina bar?

SuperCerberus

As a follow up to last week’s conversation, what’s your favorite “forced slow walking” moment in a game? When done right, I think they can add a lot of drama and intensity that connects you with the character. Mine would probably be walking through the desert after the plane crash in Uncharted 3.

Javi

What is your favorite *bad thing*? Personally, I really enjoy awful black coffee from resorts and vacation spots. It tastes awful, it’s mediocre, but I’ve had too many great experiences preceded by cup of mediocre joe. What about yall?

Shakenbake67

Hey Minnmaxers! Love the work you guys do My question is, what are some games that are forgotten that had unforgettable launches that were actually hidden gems? I just finished Forspoken which had a bad launch and coverage and while the story is cringey, the world empty. the gameplay and the gameplay loop itself is super fun and addicting. I also found the same thing with Immortals phoenix rising! What games come to mind for you?

Neal McMahon

When is it time to move on from a game? Is it as simple as after the main story is complete? Once a platinum is achieved? Or perhaps after all side quests? For me it’s when credits roll typically.

RickyWinterborn

Is there unusual pet you've always been tempted to get but never committed? Mine would be a snake or a parrot.

Blobarsmartin

The Royal Rumble was really good this year, and it’s a very interesting format. WWE wants to capitalise on this, so they’ve written you a blank check to create a battle Royale video game that uses the Royal rumble format - but they don’t want it to be a wrestling game. What do you do?

Neal McMahon

Hey all, Let’s play a game, called “ Blank is to Blank” where I say the name of a game and each member of the crew gives the closest, most similar game to the first. Example: GTA is to {Saints Row} Horizon Zero Dawn is to {Zelda Breath of the Wild} Fallout: New Vegas is to {STALKER} Give specific games and not just the series to score higher! Dying light is to: Sea of Thieves is to: Zelda TOTK is to: Alien Isolation is to: MGS 4 is to: Splinter Cell: Blacklist is to: Fire Emblem: Three Houses is to: If we ever play this, then I will keep writing in until we can try to chain them all together where we say it back to back to back.

Jason Macdonald

Has a podcast ever made you cry? I just listened to the State of the Arc's Top 20 Game Soundtracks, and the stories they were telling while they talked over the music had me welling up. (Also just an awesome podcast, would love to hear from anyone who has heard them before)

ChazCheeto

Hey Minnimum Maximers. What's the most random line from media that has stuck with you for ages? Bonus points if it's not from games. For me, it's a line from Lizzie McGuire, for some reason. The airhead jock guy was asked how he gets his hair to look so good. He replied "you know how on the shampoo bottle, it says 'lather, rinse, repeat?' ... I don't repeat."

DangerZone

Hey crew! I still just use my Xbox one every day but not for gaming. I primarily game on PC but we use my Xbox for all movies, tv shows and YouTube. And up until recently, my parents used the base PS3 (the one with the spider man font) for their blu rays. My question is: what is the longest you regularly used a console? Whether for gaming or other reasons. Thanks!!

Patrick G

Hello, Have you ever changed your opinion on a game after discussing with someone with the opposite view point?

RootFunction

Kelsey, what are your thoughts on the VGHF providing public access to it's digital archive? Of course, comments from other cohorts are welcome too. Thanks!

resident eva

Take a game and keep all of the characters, plot points, and music but change the genre!! What is the best/worst change you can think of? Would you enjoy Final Fantasy VII if it played like Zuma's Revenge?

Chris Pelley

Name a game you feel guilty you can't get into? I tried Citizen Sleeper finally this week. I bounced off really hard, gave it another shot and just uninstalled it. But, I'm sure it's great, and I'll be a little jealous during GOTY when Jacob (and Nextlander) talk about it.

Ian Miller

Hey hey MinnMax gang, How long will you tolerate broken (but usable) peripherals or gear? The left stick of my Xbox controller has gone completely loose, meaning any character will drift away into oblivion as soon as I release my thumb. Made playing Onimusha very difficult to say the least. Thanks, toodles! --Ian Miller

Ant

Hey minnmax gang! Why do you think we're starting to see some amazing and unique indie games come out that more or less fly under the radar of public perception? It feels like games like 1000x resist, 10 dead doves, and arco were substantially overlooked last year.

Zae

I love stealth in video games when it’s done right. And the last of us 2 did a great job but I hated one aspect of the stealth. When I’m crouched I still make noise and am able to be caught unless I crouch walked slowly. So what’s the most agonizing way to move from a game if done in real life? Slow crouch walking? Army crawling with your elbows and knees? Moving like the dudes from human fall flat? Or having to roll constantly like Link in Ocarina (not required to roll but cmon it kinda is)

Quillgrim

What is superior: a trial or a demo?

Aging_Poorly

Rapid fire predictions, will these things happen in 2025 (feel free to pick and choose): 1 - Three or more first party Nintendo games are Switch 2 exclusive 2 - GTA 6 comes out 3 - Sony/Microsoft announces true Steam Deck competitor: either/or/both/neither 4 - Elder Scrolls 6 trailer 5 - At least one Concord-like 100mm+ shutdown will occur within weeks of launch 6 - Last of Us S2 plot causes notable pop culture noise outside video game space. 7 - Ubisoft acquired or changes ownership

Jacob Mazanowski

Looking at the slate of announced games for 2025 (and beyond), I am very excited. However, I find myself more excited for things that haven’t even been announced like whatever Housemarque is up to, or Acid Nerve’s (Death’s Door dev) next game. Out of your own realistic imagination, what unannounced game are you most excited for?

RynaGoGo

Howdy MinnMax! My most anticipated game of 2025 is Silksong. Yes yes I know. But don’t judge me, I’m not one of those insane fans that harass the developers or flood chat with Silksong messages at every video game announcement. Have you ever been a fan of a game but felt the need to preface that you aren’t crazy when speaking about it?

heavyshadowsound

Onimusha was a surprise when it was announced, what is a 20 year old or older abandoned franchise that you want to see come back?

Conner McCabe

Hi cohorts! If suddenly the d-pad was permanently switched the right side of all controllers and face buttons were on the left, how fast would humanity crumble?

LlorchDurden

Most anticipated game for 2025 has to be for me Metroid Prime 4 Beyond! and you know what? I didn't looove the trailer. MP1 and MP2 are set on a single planet, and MP3 already made you go to more than one planet and it felt kinda meh cause the areas were not any bigger. I prefer my metroids contained to a single planet. I think they work way better like that and this new one it seems we'll go through black wholes into what? other dimensions? idk if Metroid needs that at all but we'll see.

Kelsey Sims

The brief talk about licensed games the other week got me thinking - are there any that you like, quality be damned? I played the hell out of the Madagascar game when it was released and have fond memories of it, though I cringe any time I see footage of it and have to remind myself that I was the target age group at the time

Jeeo Banogy

Hey Minnmaxers! Are you guys fans of Chinese takeout? What the funniest/weirdest fortune cookie fortune that you've ever gotten? Mine has to be a misprint one that just said "relationships." Nothing printed on the back, and oddly ominous.

PoorAndCurly

Hey Minnmax, If the only games you could play for the rest of the year were either the full library of the PSVR2 or Gameboy Color, what would you choose and why?

Jesse Eberenz

Well hey there! MinnMax is suddenly a video game publisher. What types of games would you publish? Bonus question: if other outlets became publishers, what kind of games would they publish? Giant Bomb? Easy Allies? Kinda Funny?

Dennis Cortes

Question for Haley but others can of course chime in—how’s your card collecting coming along? Have you still somehow not paid for Pokemon TCGP?

Michael Griffin

Has Jacob seen The Brualist? I think it's one of the best films I've ever seen!

Brian W

Minnmax! Anybody playing path of exile 2? This game just eats Diablo 4s lunch! What other games are out there eating the big boys lunches?

Blazingscourge

Hey MinnMax, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon I wonder what have been your recent favorite Video Game couples? Mine would have to be Antione and Evka from Dragon Age Veilguard and how cute they constantly check in and lock step with each other.

Jump On Everything

What's a common video game misconception that particularly frustrates you? Personally I get a bit annoyed by the general perception that the difficulty and obscurity of old games is just there to make you buy a guide rather than it being an intentional design decision to encourage discovery and discussion.

Gooseberry

Hi just one question - have you been shocked before? What were you doing? Daisy chaining a bunch of power cords or troubleshooting your PC?

whitemex

Howdy hey howdy ho! The last episode of the Triple Click Podcast had the crew talking about terrible video game titles and Jason mentioned how he'd get rid of the word Eternal from game names...so now I ask you fine folks, what words would you ban from video game titles?

Memory Card

America's Sweetheart Luigi famously started out as a Mario pallette swap (Red to Green) before taking on unique qualities on his own. What would your pallette swap look like and what unique qualities do you think they'd take on given enough time?

Swansonge

Hey y’all, besides being born and dying, what do you think is the most universal human experience? Silly answers also appreciated

SlyCut

Hello all, What is your favorite appliance and why is it the air fryer?

Harry Chaplin

I'm sure this has been asked many times, but what would you say the steps are to breaking into games media industry? Review blogs? Youtube? How required is something like journalism experience when it comes to writing about games?

TrampolineTales

What is a "character action" game? I've heard this genre name thrown around a lot but I feel like it's about the same as calling something a "person do stuff" game.

That's Mildly Raven

Who can you not believe they never added to Super Smash Bros? I can't believe they never added Leon Kennedy.

Paul

What is a hobby that you've gotten into recently (or not so recently) that you think would surprise the other cohorts (or the audience)? I think Janet mentioned rollerblading once and that was neat

Devin Atlee-Nutts

Hey MinnMaxers, Is there anything you prefer the objectively worse version of? My examples are: I enjoy the quiet typing experience and spongy feeling of a membrane keyboard; and I prefer instant coffee over freshly ground (it's much less harsh and bitter!)

Hector Aleman

Film is often classified by eras, starting with the Silent Era, then the Talkies, the Golden Age, New Hollywood era, and formally ending with our current Post-Cinema phase. If we were to classify video games in a similar way, what would the eras be? Have we passed gaming’s Golden Age or is that still to come?

Crazydude

What are some things that you tolerated, game related or otherwise, when you were younger, but no long have the patience for now that we’re all old and crusty? My game related one is bad dungeon puzzles, been playing some replaying some jrpgs and the genre is full of puzzles that seem like they are there for the sake of padding vs actual enjoyment of puzzles. Also people eating loudly.

caleb howell

With Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 arriving this week, I wanted to ask the MinnMax team, what do they think their Peasant profession would be, and how would they think they would die from the time period? For example, I think I'd be a Fletcher who eats the wrong mushroom 🍄 ☠️

Tom Rickard

Hey Minnmax! What’s the hottest gossip/tea you’ve overheard at a restaurant or public setting? Mine was recently at a pizza place, a woman was on the phone and I overheard her say “How can I make people cheat on each other? Am I a witch??” Which took a lot of self control to not laugh out loud to.

Stevelution

I recently replayed Unpacking and it got me thinking about games that had an emotional impact on me that I didn’t expect. The way the simple act of placing items in a room told the story of someone’s life. What games have you played that subverted your expectations?

ScottyDontKnovv

Howdy hoodee(?) MinnMaxx! What are your favorite bands/artists? Genres?

Tess

Hey MinnMax! Everyone's always upset at award shows, but no one ever talks about the only one that matters. Game Time! I've got the nominees for the Favorite Video Game category from the Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards. Can you tell me the winner? 2024 Just Dance 2024 Madden NFL 24 Minecraft Roblox Super Mario Bros. Wonder The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom 1999 Crash Bandicoot The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Super Mario 64 Yoshi's Story 2005 Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed Shark Tale Shrek 2 Spider-Man 2 2019 Just Dance 2019 Lego The Incredibles Marvel's Spider-Man Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Super Mario Party 2023 Adopt Me! Brookhaven Just Dance 2023 Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Minecraft Pokémon Scarlet and Violet 1995 Aladdin Donkey Kong Country NBA Jam Answers: 2024 - Roblox 1999 - Super Mario 64 2005 - Shrek 2 2019 - Just Dance 2019 2023 - Minecraft 1995 - Donkey Kong Country Fun Facts: Just Dance won 8 of the 10 awards in the 2010s, and Donkey Kong Country and Super Mario 64 both won twice.

Toke F.

With the big game™ coming up, what's the best memory you have of watching a sporting event (at home or stadium)?

Mike Lynch

How long do you think it would take you to learn to run backwards?

Martin Glowacki

Hi all! Recently finished booking my upcoming honeymoon and it got me reminiscing on my most favourite vacation: a week long trip exploring the island of Mallorca with my closest friends, with a villa in the middle of the island acting as a home base. Wonderful and fantastic time (and highly recommended location)! I think about this trip often. Do you have any particularly noteworthy or fascinating trips that always seem to creep back into your mind to reminisce about?

Cath

Hey guys! Thé sims re-release sims 1-2-3 this weekend and all my nerdy group are now talking about their stories (shout out to sims 1 grim repear who transform people in zombies sometimes ) So you have any good sims stories or memories?

Nick deVries

Hello MinnMaxers, I'm a CPA in Iowa, so I'm currently dreaming of my next vacation for after tax season (side note - Haley, when is Canadian tax time??). What is one trip each of you has taken that you'd recommend to others? My wife and I went to Portland, Maine last year and absolutely loved it. Thank you all for the entertaining content!

Michael Lane

Hi MinnMaxers! I recently got a CRT and have been playing my PS2 on it. As great as it is, I think it's broken emulation for me. I simply feel so much more engaged and interested in older games when I play on real hardware. How do you all feel about video game emulation vs. the real thing?

Sabai

Hello all, I'm replaying Majora’s Mask. When I first played it, everything that the game was doing clicked with me in a really special way. It was presenting me with a story tone and gameplay I had never encountered before, introducing me to a lot of things I now seek out in the games I play. What games were the most important or foundational in developing your personal taste?

Virgil B

Whats the hardest hitting rumor about you going around or the rumor that has reached the most people?

WeGoGiant

Hey MinnMax, What's a really common life experience you've never had? For an example I've never been hospitalized/ had surgery/ gone to the ER. I have to assume it's just luck 😅

Benjamin Luff

Hi Minnmax. Everyone from Minnmax's minds are Psychonauts levels. What do they consist of and whose is the hardest?

Mason Cowell

Hello! With the Switch 2 on the way, I'm curious. What actually are system selling games for the cohorts? I've been Sony and Nintendo for about a decade, switch primarily for Pokemon and I bought a ps3 just to play Shadow of the Colossus. What about you all?

Fancygraham

I rarely focus on things in games that are purely cosmetic for my character. I don’t care about skins in hero shooters or anything like that. But I did get really invested in making my character look rad as heck in OlliOlli World in 2022. Has there ever been a time in a specific game where you clicked with a mechanic that normally annoys you or you are indifferent to when found in most other games?

Jonathan Valdez

The Nikki glazer Dan Ryker reveal blew my mind because it’s the second podcaster named Dan who is not in her industry and I’ve listened to for dozens/hundreds of hours and later find out they are old friends with Nikki. The other being Dan Hanzus from the NFL world. Have you ever made an insane internet connection that you feel nobody else could see because it’s two different and specific interests needed to see?

RiskyChrisP

Hi CLCs, I’m about to finish my first real D&D campaign, and I’ve really enjoyed it! A major aspect of the game is rolling to see if you pass a skill check for various actions you’re attempting to do. There’s different thresholds for failure or success, but rolling a 1 guarantees you’ll fail spectacularly, and a 20 promises you’ll succeed in a big way. This made me wonder, if you could pick one skill you would always roll a 20 on in real life, what would you pick? For reference, here are the different skill checks you can roll for: Dexterity Acrobatics Sleight of Hand Stealth Intelligence Arcana History Investigation Nature Religion Wisdom Animal Handling Insight Medicine Perception Survival Charisma Deception Intimidation Performance Persuasion

demo_sphere

G'day Minnmax So what's everyone's guesses on Nintendo Switch 2's mysterious C button? My initial thoughts for Switch 2 was to get DS and 3DS games supported on the system, as there are far too many forgotten gems on those handhelds. (Try Rhythm Heaven and Electroplankton on PC with mouse controls, I swear). It would be insane to see them sell a Dual Screen attachment for the system. So what if the C button, is a CAST button! Imagine a reverse Wii U, where the gamepad receiver inside the dock. Press the C button to Cast a second screen, from your Switch 2... your TV ;) A single press and there it is on your second monitor. Enjoy BotW with a map and new Pokemon Ranger confirmed. If this happens, can we call it the Wii U Redemption Arc?

clay_dough

Hey CLCs! I just finished season 2 of Squid Games and was wondering, if you were a contestant playing Squid Games video game version, what games would you force everyone to play hoping that you leave on top with the millions of dollars?

Catpurrnicus

I've always loved how games can transport you to another location. The other day I walked in on my brother playing Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth and I immediately turned around and transported myself somewhere else.

Zach Mullen

Hey MinnMax! I try every year to go back and play some classic games that I have missed. Usually trying to reduce an ever-growing backlog. This year I’ve finally beaten Zelda II (with save states…) and am now finally getting around to Earthbound. What are some lesser known, pre-2000 games, that you all would recommend? Don’t worry Ben, I’ve already played through Tomato Adventure thanks to MinnMax and really enjoyed my time!

Dylan Holck

I completed Ender Magnolia last week and loved everything about it, though I don’t think I could identify any new traversal ability that I had not seen in a different metroidvania. At this point, what would make you excited to pick up a new metroidvania? Are you happy with the state of the genre and just choose based on vibe/tone, or does a dev really need to shake up the traversal mechanics to compel you to pick something up? Have metroidvanias hit an unlockable wall?

sleepless1123

My friend and I recently dove into Outer Wilds completely blind, and we had an absolute blast solving the game's mysteries together and getting excited with each new discovery. Taking turns at the controls while combining our problem-solving skills created the perfect balance—challenging enough to be engaging, but never so difficult that we got hopelessly stuck. I'm proud that we finished both the main game and its DLC without using any guides! Playing Outer Wilds cooperatively with my friend made for an unforgettable experience. Do you have any memorable experiences playing single-player games cooperatively?

BEEFCAKE

What's your favorite "What's your favorite.." question? Also, why do you think people want to know other people's favorite anything? Are people just looking for reflections of themselves in other people? Also I don't have a lot of favorites but I do know my favorite dessert is strawberry rhubarb pie. I'm just talking into my phone at this point and thinking about pie

Catpurrnicus

Pop quiz Kewsey, how do you feel about games being delisted? I recently saw used PS5 version of Marvels Avengers going for more than $60, which seems crazy. Does the game preservation side of you die a little inside while the Video Game shop owner side make cash register sounds?

wittynicknamehere .

A recent on-air moment has had me thinking. Is there some sort of Strunk-and-White style guide for cohorts to learn and abide by when they come aboard Minnmax? I'm speaking specifically of Hanson's strident stance toward Minnmax's followers and patrons, and the moment when Haley gave a passing "I love you guys," to which Hanson immediately stopped the show to "correct" her. I feel like Haley being polite and Canadian is the only reason Hanson wasn't told to eff off in that moment. If Haley (or any other cohort) feels one way, is it Hanson's place to tell them they're wrong and need to conceal that because he's the guy in charge? Was this some line which shant be crossed, which was discussed at some point prior? Maybe you dismiss this as a weird thing to fixate on, but Hanson seems stalwart about keeping the followers outside arm's reach, to the point of policing language in this way.

OhMyBlob

Have you ever cooked and eaten a meal at home that would’ve sent back in a restaurant?

STAMPEDE

Hello fellow computer lovers, Last year on October 28th, I spent 11.2 hours playing a game called Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster. A game which I had already beaten the previous month, but on that day where my schedule was clear, I was committed to mopping up all the achievements steam said I had yet to earn. About half of this 11 hours was mindlessly farming a room full of zombies to get the kill 53,594 zombies achievement called "Zombie Annihilator" and the other half was surviving for 7 days in the hardcore mode where your health is constantly ticking down called "7 day survivor" (shoutout to the show Survivor). The hardcore achievement actually enhanced my opinion of the game, and the zombie annihilator achievement I wanted to be done with about 30 minutes in. So, my question: Do any of you CLC's have an interesting achievement grinding or just hard to obtain achievement/trophy story and was it worth it?

CrabPalace

What have you done in life that you've never done in a videogame? What have you done in a videogame that you have done in real life?

NonBinaryBomb

Hey Cohorts — what's something you wanted games to do as a kid that still hasn't been done?

Adam Filipowicz

Gamers saying “sportsball” is passé. What real life sport (that doesn’t have a game yet) would you want to be a video game, or what video game sport would you want to be real?

David Dubs

Hey Gang, more often I’m finding myself craving physical products over digital. I’m buying more physical copies of games, music and even back to shooting film cameras. It increasingly feels like I don’t “own” anything digital and I'm finding enjoyment in the slower process using physical goods. Is anyone else feeling like this or am I simply aging into a cranky old man?

Cashewual

Dear Minnmaxers: What's a relatively small purchase that's made your life easier? I recently got a lemon squeezer and was amazed at how much more juice I could get out!

Travis in Fargo

Pound for pound, what’s the most valuable piece of memorabilia you own?

Thom Blackburn

How do you deal with all of the stories about layoffs in the game industry all the time? I just got news that I'm going to be laid off next month and it's felt like an inevitability working in tech.

Zaqmin

Sup MinnMax crew! What is your preferred way to immerse yourself into a game? Listening to the video game’s soundtrack as the composer intended? Or by listening to whatever music you choose with the in game audio reduced? (I wrote a whole college paper on this)

Victor Pham

Soulslikes are great and all but can we get more Ninja Gaiden-likes?

IdentityCrisis

Hey Cohorts, do you have any special media that you found entirely by accident? For example, I had zero interest in the Tomb Raider games until one of them came with my Xbox One. Now I'm full on Tomb Raider fangirl and can't wait for a new game.

Space Pretzel

Hey Minnmax, do you think it was a bad idea to release Sea of Stars and Star Ocean in the same year?

Space Pretzel

What game captures the atmosphere of Winter time best?

McGreevy

G'day Cohorts, if you could visit any game studio at any point in history what would it be? And would you suggest any changes to alter the timeline?

Lamb Dance

What Video Game character would make the best Deodorant brand mascot to get more gamers to use it?

Malcolm Holliday

Hey MinnMax, what's a game series where your favorite game isn't the best game in your eyes? For me Metal Gear Solid 3 is the best in the series(of the games I played) BUT Metal Gear Solid 2 is my favorite game of the series. Despite all MGS2's flaws it evokes the most feelings out of me

Travis in Fargo

Today, I accidentally ate a bit of soap, thinking it was a scrap of parmesan cheese. It was really awful. When was the last time you accidentally ate something horrible?

Corey Losey

With "The Big Game" this weekend, and all the bevvy of advertisement involved, why do you think the video game industry isn't historically part of the deluge of commercials that happen? Or do we maybe get a big GTA6 or Switch 2 ad this weekend?

Rhett

I recently sat down at the theater and watched the film The Brutalist. I found the film very compelling - it has a lot of big ideas and takes a lot of big swings, some landing and some maybe a bit too on the nose. The film challenged me to think about art as a whole (film, video game, TV show, book, etc.) and examine what I find most compelling. Is it big ideas or themes and how they are conveyed through plot or character? Is it big risks or swings in cinematography or gameplay, even if they don't always land? Is it the art or the artist? The journey or the destination? What compels you the most when you engage with art?

Lucas England

Hello cohorts, my question is very simple: What is your platonic ideal of a sandwich? What toppings, bread, sauces, etc do you take in a perfect world where all options are available to you?

Normal Neighbor

Yo! Was there ever a piece of art adjacent to the actual video game that you held dear or you revisit that brings up sweet emotions? ( manual, poster, ad, commercial, etc.) For me, it was the original Super Smash Bros. instruction manual. I flipped through it and endlessly drew the pictures from it until it fell apart as a kid. At some point, I redrew the first three pages from scratch and stapled them back in. I lost it over the years, but my wife rebought it for me as a surprise a few years back, and it brought me to tears. Thanks! Appreciate you!

Jason Wojnar

I was watching a New Show Plus where Jacob Geller says that Uncharted 4 is indeed not the best Uncharted. I just want to thank him personally for literally being the first professional gaming personality to publicly voice how me and my brother feel about that game (and we are huge Uncharted fans). I was even publicly lambasted on an episode of the GI show where they specifically wanted people to send in hot takes. Anyway, have you ever such a glorious moment when your hot take or unpopular opinion was validated by a public figure? Another moment for me is Robert Eggers voicing how much Ukrainian cinema influenced his work after years of me screaming from the rooftops how the country produced some of the best movies ever made.

Sean

Hey Minnmaxers Huber told his story of how he picked up onimusha back in the day. A few days ago, someone in the discord brought up Dead Letter Dept and asked if asked if anyone had played it. I had never heard of it before so I went on the steam page, looked at like two screenshots and then bought it. I can’t remember the last time I bought a game knowing so little about it but I played it and was absolutely floored. When is the last time you played a game without knowing anything about it? How did it go for you? Also please play dead letter dept. It’s a horror typing game with some great themes.

Andrew Burleigh

Your life is now an RPG - yourself and 3 other party members have a quest to travel across the world and kill God. What is your class and what party members from past RPGs do you take with you?

CaffeineDad

Hey gang! I’m listening to the Ringer’s “60 Songs that Explain the 90s: The 2000’s” podcast, and they covered Nickelback’s “How You Remind Me.” The host introduced it under the theme of “songs that were cool but overnight became uncool.” What song or band from your past was so cool but then all of a sudden wasn’t anymore? “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon immediately comes to mind because of how it’s the most basic song to play at a wedding, and yes it did play at mine.

Chris Fantry

Hi MinnMaximos. Since I have been having less time to play games lately due to work and now a newborn (shout-out to baby Maple). I decided to play games that were easier to play in bursts to compensate. Last year Balatro and Vampire Survivor were my go-tos. This year they have been backlog games (Final Fantasy 1-6) and finishing Rise of the Golden Idol with my wife. What games are you currently playing that are satisfying in short bursts? Bonus points if any are from a backlog.

Jordan Watson

Hey guys, has a great score ever carried you through a game you otherwise found just okay?

Tom Brien

Inspired by Ben's interview with Shuhei: do you think if you sent a great indie game back in time to 2000, would it be just as popular? Or would people not get it? Would Hades have been a hit on PS1?

BigRed

G'Day from Australia! As a Kid I was terrified of the game ‘Goosebumps: Escape from Horrorland' but that didn't stop me from playing and getting my brother to complete a section where you are chased by a werewolf while I hid behind a couch. I went back years later and, honestly, I stand by my fear. Does any of the cohorts have a game that freaked them out as kids? Have you ever revisited it later on? Thaaannnkss!

Ben64

Hey CLCs! Charles’ amazing coverage of Monster Hunter Wilds included a bit of the Monster Hunter café in Japan, with a whole host of tantalizing food/drink in an environment themed to the world of MH. It got me thinking: Is there a game you would love to get a themed themed café? Any particular video game dish you want to try in the real world or level you want to sit and have a drink in? All the best!

tuxpeng

What's a mechanic from a game that you think is objectively kind of bad, but still enjoyed engaging with?

Otsego12

Hey, Minnfolk, what game has your favorite character animations? My vote is for Remnant 2. Whether it’s jumping gaps and rolling, the neutral backward dodge being a stutter step backward, or the fast climb of the ladders taking two rungs at a time. The animations always leave me feeling satisfied. (Justice for Remnant 2!)

Victor V

Hi MinnMaxers! I finally watched Season 3 of Reservation Dogs (one of my favorite TV shows ever). I’d purposefully put it off – for over a year – because I didn’t want it to end. I knew that I didn’t have anything that could replace it in my mind (or heart), so I didn’t want to ‘lose’ it by watching it. Is there any media (TV, film, video games) that you’ve avoided (or taken extra long to get through) because you wanted to hold onto it for as long as possible?

Ruse

Heya Minnmax! I recently played through Mouthwashing, and though I didn't go in intending to go through it all in one sitting it hooked me in and didn't really give me a choice. It got me thinking about other games like that- Journey, Abzu, The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit, etc. What are everyone's favorite games that can be finished in one sitting?

Kevin Kuper

Hello, Whats up with people who don't know anything about gaming getting us gifts that always say something like "Don't bother me, I'm gaming"? I don't know a single person who likes it and there is nothing like that for any other hobby. Let's disect why this is and how long do I have to keep these socks before I can donate them?

Sam Kennedy

What is the coolest thing you’ve found so far using the VGHF digital library?

Luca Alberti

Howdy MinnMax crew! It's probably old news now in the US but A Complete Unkown has launched recently across the pond, have you seen the movie? How does Ben feel about it as a Minnesotan just like Bob Dylan?

Chandler

Are you guys more of introverts or extroverts? I know gaming tends to be an introverted hobby, but some of you seem really outgoing. Who at minnmax do you think is the most and least introverted?

It's Hugo's Nook

I just saw that Multiversus next season, S5, will be its last, with the game getting delisted and removing online play and ways to earn the locked content after that. Concord aside, is this one of the biggest F2P fumbles? The characters were smartly thought and implemented, but they went heavy on the grind. It's comeback last year was worse than the first version, from 2023...

Infinite

Hi folks! Recently while cleaning a spare bedroom with my wife, I found a nice stack of PSX JRPGs that though I had long traded in or lost, including my original purchase of Legend of Dragoon, which brought me untold joy. What’s a game you thought you had lost forever only to have it turn up somewhere later? Did you get to play it again? Thanks for the fun!

Blake Barber

Did any of the Cohorts ever play Snowboard Kids on Nintendo64? I swear me and my siblings must be that games biggest fans and we still play it. The sequel was not good but if they ever remade or just updated the first with HD textures and 60fps we would lose our minds. What your N64 most wanted remake?

Fancygraham

If you drive past someone who has the same make, model, and colour car as you, is it ok to give them a little wave like truckers, bus drivers, and bikers do?

Jaser Helu

Pop tarts or Toaster Strudels?

Kep

What is everyones game you love to hear other people talk about more than you like to play yourself?

Colton Westbrooks

You are stuck on an island with nothing but an old CRT TV with an SNES and VCR attached to it. What is the single game and VHS you would want to have to play on them?

Zach Williams

What is the best and worst thing about where you are living now? How would you sell people to come visit, or deter them from coming?

Sweet Karoline

Greetings cohorts Everyone always talks about the best and strongest game in a series. What about the weakest and worst game? Which is the worst entry in the following series. 1)Super Mario 2) Legend of Zelda 3) Pokemon 4) Metal Gear Solid 5) Yakuza 6) Call of Duty campaign 7) Animal Crossing Thanks for reading

Graham Jones

Hey crewhorts, What is the best open zone game? Keep that open world stuff out of here!! Also, do you believe this should be a separate genre from open world games?

VMEArcana (Very Much Earthed Arcana)

One of the many things I find hilariously serious about the gritty metroidvania “Kong: Survival Instinct” is the warning at the beginning of the game warns that game contains giant monsters, death, and losing contact with your family. What is the most memorable content warning you’ve read? Are there any content warnings that get you excited about playing a game?

Aaron U

Is there any common video game knowledge that you, perhaps embarrassingly, did not know until recently? For example; I was a Sega Genesis kid in the early 90s, but I only found out a few years ago that it was called the Mega Drive everywhere outside of North America.

ManifestEcho

Have you ever been desperate to find information about something that you think should be easy to find on the internet but actually isn't? Somehow almost a year later I still can't find lyrics to Galian Beast from the FF7 Rebirth soundtrack online, even though there's various people who have gotten the lyrics for it in order to sing it for the concerts. It's driving me nuts!

Galexzzz

Hey cohorts, time to brag a bit! What’s your most proudest accomplishment in a video game? Mine is fully completing Celeste with all C sides, Farewell, and Moon berry all done. Was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done in a game but I’ll always be proud of it.

Travis in Fargo

What’s the weirdest place you’ve ever fallen asleep?

Echo

With everything going on with live service games lately, how do you guys think (2K) 31st Union's Project Ethos will fare in the current gaming landscape?

Poofydoo

If and when you have helped someone with an electronic device, does it test your patience to see them slowly figure out where to tap? 1. Do you hover over them and tell them quickly what they should do? 2. Take the device from them and do it for them knowing they will never learn that way? 3. Or do you suffer for an eternity and wait for them to do it?

Christian Jimenez

Hello, Wanted to chime in on last week's question on why indie sequels don't get remembered as much or as beloved. It's a know thing (in line with what Alanah was discussing) called the sophomore slump, usually happens to new bands and artist. The first game (or album) is worked on for so long or had been in someone's mind brewing that on release is the culmination of year's work. The sequel gets a lot less time and any ideas are minor or less impactful as the first one already made the impact intended so it feels derivative. That's all. Thanks.

Qax

What's the number 1 video game mechanic? Jump? Shoot? Mine is parry

Geebeesee

All this talk about video game software, let’s show some love to the hardware! What’s your favorite video game button? I’m talking controllers, consoles, peripherals, it’s all up for grabs. Call me a heathen but that N64 Z-button takes the cake for me. Thanks for all you do! Chris from Nova Scotia

Bayleaf Moon

What’s your most anticipated game in your backlog? One you’re either saving for a real good time or one you’re most excited to jump back to?

Jeorin

Hello MinnMax crew, What shelving or other form of organizational furniture are you using for your collectibles and games? I recently bought a Kallax from IKEA and I'm going to combine it with some transparent plastic containers to help keep my various items dust free.

Joshua H.

Howdy y’all, nice hootanany you guys had there! (I hope that’s how you spell it cuz I ain’t going back and looking.) I’ve been a console gamer my whole life. Played computer games as a kid. I’m getting excited about what Xbox is doing. Is it finally about time to be worth getting an Xbox?

Joshua H.

Hard wood floors or carpet?

Adam Walters

Have you ever ruined a piece of entertainment for yourself (not work related)? As a teenager, I remember playing all of the Star Wars episode 3 game as soon as it came out... TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVIE! My older brother tried to warm me against playing it first, but there I was watching full scenes of the movie ahead of it coming to theaters. Now I'll never be able to see it as the film classic the rest of the world does.

Rikimaru

Hey, MinnMax! We have been getting a lot of video game dreams fulfilled lately with Ninja Gaiden, Okami, Onimusha, even Silent Hill! Japanese studios seem to be leading the charge here. Why do we think Western studios aren't making more of a swing? Is it the amount of legacy franchises? A philosophical approach to games? Something else?

Vilis

Y'all about that Onimusha Warlords, but I prefer Onicruncha Snacklords from Doritos.

Cody A

Hey minnmax, When's the last time you had a good cry from a piece of media? I don't think we let ourselves let it all out enough. I watched the Disney movie 'meet the Robinsons' this week with my kids and cried a nice long cry. 10/10 would recommend letting yourself cry.

DylanTheWizard

Hey! When you're using the microwave for a minute, do you put in one-zero-zero (1:00) or six-zero (60)? Also, do you only put in intervals of 15 seconds, or do you get crazy with it?

Bon Jon Bovi

Which Great American Novel would make the best JRPG?

Edern

Yeah, Kelsey is in! I got an Analogue Pocket for Christmas and already had a few other retro consoles, but I always end up playing the same 4-5 games I have nostalgia for—Tetris, Mario & Zelda titles, F-Zero, and KuruKuruKurin. I’d love some recommendations for 8 and 16-bit games that still hold up today, NOSTALGIA ASIDE. I never played Megaman, Castlevania, or Metroid, and I’m sure there are tons of great ones I’ve never even heard of. So, what should I try in 2025? Thanks.

Tactical Dreamer

Hello MinnMax crew, was wondering if anyone on the team is going back to Darkest Dungeon 2 for the Kingdoms update? I think I remember JeffM bouncing off of the initial release, but the new mode is pretty radically different, and I would love to hear what y'all think.

Matthew Waeckel

Hi minnmax, first-time contributor here; one of my most anticipated games of the year is the debut release from the Filet Group, The Big Catch. Last year, the developers released a free, standalone demo-of-sorts called "Tacklebox" on Steam and it was one of my favorite experiences of the year. If you're not familiar with The Big Catch, it's a 3D platformer with a PS1/PS2 era aesthetic about a tribe of fisherman. Although the demo is obviously not representative of the final release, it's probably one of the most satisfying 3D platformers I've ever played, at least in terms of traversal and overall game-feel. XSEED/Marvelous announced last year that they will be publishing the game, so hopefully we will see a release date soon (it will probably coincide with the launch of the Switch 2). I think one of the most exciting things about the start of a new year is just how unknown the landscape looks in terms of releases. This time last year, I never knew of Nine Sols' existence, for example, and it ended up being my 2024 GOTY. What announced (or unannounced) 2025 game do you think will climb to the top of your list when the year is said and done? -Matty (UnexpectedEnemy)

AnAttackCorgi

Hey CLCs! MM always asks us if we have any questions, but have you got a question FOR the community? Stay shnazzy

Fatt Mish

Hi. Is cheese a topping?

SlickJames

Hello Minnmonster Hunters. Which mythological creature or Kaiju do you think would be hardest to hunt?For me it would have to be King Ghidorah. A three headed, giant kaiju would be tough to beat.

Matt Rogers

Hey cohorts, everyone seems excited by Monster Hunter Wilds but it’s not doing anything for me. Guess I’m not a fan of the genre. Is there a game or genre that’s wildly popular that you have no interest in?

Chia

Hi MinnMax 👋 Learning about the painter who kills old people in Expedition 33 got me way more excited to play the game, but also made me think of how insane I must sound describing JRPG plots to my fiancé who mostly plays simulation games. What's the wildest game premise or moment you've had to explain to someone who's out of the loop?

Derek Achoy

How often do you clean your microwave?

OddJackBourne

Hi MinnMax crew, here's a nitpicky question: what's the smallest feature that not all video games have, but should always have? For me, it's when I scroll to the end of a list, the cursor should move back to the beginning!!!

George D

Hey Min Max, first time contribution, the Tetris code got me over the hump! What's the best game on the steam deck that you think nobody is talking about? Looking for real deep cuts here! Thanks!

John

saw Days Gone trending on steam deck the other day. It got me wondering are there titles that didn’t do well on console that will get new life as portable consoles become capable of running them. Will it be a factor that the game will become removed from the original over hyped expectations that let players down? Starfield, starwars outlaws, forspoken?

Parker Aden

Any predictions for the rumored PlayStation state of play next week? Will it happen? What games do we see there?

CptCobblePot

Greetings Minnmaxers, Does length play a big part in deciding what games you play? Some of my favorite games are 6 hours long (A Short Hike, Inside) and great games like Persona 5 and Refantazio are 80+. Will you miss out on longer games because they are to much of an investment and shorter games because you don’t know where to squeeze them in?

Brooke Gossard

Do you have a favorite burner on the stove and if so, which one?

Josh Lamm

Not too long ago I was in a mall and I saw what looked like a parrot flying overhead indoors. (shout-out kelsey). Not a minute goes by and I saw a sad looking girl with her mother holding a birdcage. My first thought was "this is a side quest, isn't it?" I helped them look for their bird for a while until I had to call it quits because I had to get my daughter home for bed. Have you ever had a moment in your life where you thought, certainly, this must be a side-quest?

Adam Castellanos

Who would be your significant others pick for thirst council?

Brandon Milligan

Do you feel that you handle your frustration with difficult moments in games well? I've never, say, broken anything in frustration, but I would be incredibly embarrassed if I were to see a video of me at my most frustrated.