Wolverine Is a Disaster

The Besties episode examines the disappointing launch of Wolverine, a high-profile game that failed to meet expectations despite significant development resources and hype. Rather than simply dismissing the failure, the hosts use it as a springboard for a broader conversation about what players expect from premium-priced video games and what the industry should aspire to deliver. The episode frames the game's flaws as an opportunity to discuss industry standards, player expectations, and the gap between promise and execution in AAA gaming. This approach transforms what could be a straightforward negative review into a more substantive critique about the state of expensive game releases. The hosts also pivot to positive territory by featuring hands-on impressions of the Steam Frame, a hardware device, providing some variety and balance to the episode's tone. The episode concludes with a full list of games and topics discussed, available on the show's website, and promotes their Patreon for access to bonus content. The structure suggests the hosts are experienced at mining disappointment for meaningful discussion rather than just venting frustration.

Verdict: A solid discussion episode that transforms a game failure into meaningful industry critique, but limited practical value and unclear depth prevent it from being essential listening.

Leisure rubric

• Enthusiast depth 3/5 20%

  The episode promises analysis of game design failures and industry expectations, suggesting knowledgeable discussion, but show notes don't detail specific technical or design insights that would indicate deep expertise.

• Useful tips or discoveries 2/5 20%

  While hands-on Steam Frame impressions offer some practical hardware feedback, the primary focus on a failed game's flaws provides limited actionable recommendations for what to play or buy.

• Fun to listen to 3/5 15%

  The framing of 'making lemonade from lemons' and pivoting to hardware impressions suggests an upbeat, conversational tone despite discussing disappointment, likely pleasant but not necessarily infectious.

• Substance 3/5 15%

  The episode promises substantive discussion about expectations and industry standards beyond surface-level complaints, but show notes don't confirm how deeply these themes are explored or whether tangents dilute the content.

• Delivers on its title 4/5 15%

  Title promises Wolverine is a disaster and the episode delivers analysis of why, plus broader context about game expectations; the Steam Frame tangent slightly dilutes focus but doesn't derail the main topic.

• Value for time 3/5 15%

  At 57 minutes, the episode covers a game failure plus hardware impressions and broader industry discussion, which is reasonable pacing, though without transcript details it's unclear if there's unnecessary padding.

How we score Leisure

Worth it if you're interested in AAA game industry criticism and want to understand what went wrong with high-profile releases beyond surface complaints.

Based on the episode description. AI-generated; it can be wrong.