Reacting to The Game Awards: From Borderlands 4 to Mafia The Old Country
December 13th, 2024 Podcast Recap
The Game Awards 2024 delivered a jam-packed night of announcements, cinematic trailers, and unforgettable moments. From new entries in beloved franchises like Borderlands 4 and The Witcher 4 to surprise reveals like Turok Origins and Mafia: The Old Country, it was a show filled with plenty to discuss. Here’s our breakdown of the biggest announcements, trailers, and our thoughts on the event as a whole.
Slay the Spire 2
One of the first reveals of the night was Slay the Spire 2, which didn’t even make it into the official show! Fans of the original deck-building roguelike can expect more characters, new cards, and even deeper strategies. The art style remains familiar, and while the trailer didn’t show much innovation, fans like Dan and Maulding are excited to dive back into one of the best card games ever made.
Dan: "This game converted me into a card game fan. I own it on every platform, and I can’t wait for the sequel."
The Witcher IV
The Witcher 4 trailer showcased a dark tone, focusing on Ciri as the protagonist. The cinematic trailer highlighted her powers and hinted at a gripping narrative with plenty of moral dilemmas. Developers promised more player freedom to define Ciri’s character, making this a bold new chapter for the series.
Maulding: "It’s hard to judge without gameplay, but given CD Projekt Red’s track record with The Witcher, I’m confident this will be top-tier."
Elden Ring: Nightreign
FromSoftware announced Elden Ring: Knightreign, a standalone co-op-focused game coming in 2025. While visually similar to Elden Ring, this new entry promises seamless multiplayer integration. However, fans like Matt Lord expressed fatigue, hoping for more variety from the studio.
Lord: "I was hoping for something completely new. This feels too similar to what we just got with Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree."
Outer Worlds 2
The Outer Worlds 2 promises an evolution of the original with sharper humor, better visuals, and deeper gameplay. As Dan put it, "It looks like what Fallout should be," throwing shade at Bethesda’s Starfield.
Maulding: "The first game felt half-baked. This sequel seems like it’s addressing that."
Borderlands 4
The highly anticipated Borderlands 4 trailer was met with mixed reactions. While fans expected the trademark humor and unique character designs, the trailer felt flat and uninspired.
Dan: "The art style and gameplay looked like more of the same. I wanted to like it, but the trailer was a letdown."
Turok Origins
Turok Origins made a surprise appearance, bringing back a beloved franchise. While the cinematic trailer showcased dinosaurs in snowy settings, fans are eager to see how the gameplay evolves from its polygonal roots.
Lord: "It gave me Evolve vibes. I’ll need to see gameplay before I’m sold."
Dispatch
Dispatch, from the creators of The Wolf Among Us, introduces players to a unique perspective in the superhero genre. In this narrative-driven game, players step into the shoes of a fallen superhero turned 911 operator, coordinating heroic missions while dealing with their own struggles. Featuring standout performances by Aaron Paul and Laura Bailey, the game promises a mix of humor, heart, and gripping decision-making.
Dan: "The chemistry between Aaron Paul and Laura Bailey is fantastic, and the concept feels fresh. Not my usual type of game, but I’m intrigued."
Mafia: The Old Country
Arguably one of the most visually stunning trailers of the night, Mafia: The Old Country brings players back to the origins of organized crime in Italy. The storytelling and gorgeous Italian countryside sets the stage for an immersive narrative.
Maulding: "No one can say that video games aren’t art after seeing a trailer like this. You’re going to be playing a movie."
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet
The show’s grand finale was Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Developed by Naughty Dog, helmed by Neil Druckmann, and with a score by Trent Reznor, this futuristic action RPG about a space bounty hunter has all the makings of a masterpiece—despite some concerns over excessive product placement.
Dan: "The pedigree behind this game is insane. Even with the blatant ads, I’m hyped."
Overall Impressions and Grades
The Game Awards 2024 leaned heavily on cinematic trailers with minimal gameplay, making it hard to gauge some titles. However, the show provided a strong look at what’s coming in 2025, a year shaping up to be full of Soulsborne-style games and third-person action RPGs.
Dan: "I’m giving it an A-. The announcements were solid, and 2025 looks exciting."
Maulding: "B-. Good trailers, but Astro Bot winning Game of the Year soured it for me."
Lord: "C. Too many anime games and no standout FPS announcements."
That’s a wrap on our Game Awards coverage! Let us know what you’re most excited about, and as always, good playing with you.