We Rated the Most Popular Games of All Time | Trash Taste #206

TL;DR

Discussion on top-rated video games and diverging user opinions.

Transcript

all right 25 zelden ring wow the user scores is eight I thought the user scores would have been way high why are they so there so many haters you know what that is they're just bad Gamers they couldn't get past the tutorial that's that's a skill diff right there if there's someone who races game s it's cuz they don't have enough Gamers what's up Ga... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Metacritic aggregates critic reviews to give games an overall "meta score" but contrasts sharply with user ratings influenced by individual player experiences.
• 👾 Historically significant games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time are often cited as benchmarks for the best gaming experiences, but fan opinions can challenge this canon.
• 💩 Host discussions reveal distinct gamer communities where niche games thrive, often outperforming mainstream hits in user scores due to dedicated fanbases.
• 👾 Frustration around games that have dated mechanics or graphics reflects broader trends in gaming where advancements in technology redefine player expectations.
• 🥶 The conversation addresses the nostalgia factor, noting how older titles tend to be cherished regardless of their initial reception while new games face immediate scrutiny.
• 👻 The lively banter among the hosts illustrates differing gaming backgrounds, highlighting personal preferences that enrich the discussion of game quality and impact.
• 🤗 Exploration of various game genres opens insights into how audience tastes have shifted alongside technological innovations in gaming.

Questions & Answers

Q: What criteria do the hosts use to evaluate the games listed on Metacritic?

The hosts look at both the critical scores offered by publications and the user scores given by gamers on Metacritic. They delve into how influential a game is regarding its release context and cultural footprint while also sharing personal experiences with the games, which influence their opinions.

Q: Why do the hosts feel that the user scores for games like Elden Ring are misleading?

They argue that the user scores often reflect a backlash from gamers who are either misaligned with the game’s design philosophy or who may not possess the required skill level to succeed in more challenging titles. This leads to polarized ratings where popular games can receive unfairly low scores.

Q: What is the distinction made between the influence of nostalgia on rating older games versus newer titles?

The hosts suggest that older games often benefit from nostalgic value, where players have fond memories attached to them, leading to higher ratings over time. In contrast, newer games might be judged more critically and lack that nostalgic allure, despite potentially groundbreaking gameplay.

Q: How do the hosts compare the storytelling quality of games like Mass Effect and Metal Gear Solid 2?

They consider Mass Effect to have superior character-driven storytelling, while Metal Gear Solid 2 stands out for the ambitious narrative that, despite being divisive at its release, has been appreciated in hindsight for its commentary on societal issues. The hosts emphasize that both games offer unique storytelling experiences.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The podcast dives into a list of top-rated video games according to Metacritic, exploring their historical significance and cultural impact, particularly in the context of gaming communities.

• The hosts compare critical scores to user scores, revealing a disparity in how games are perceived by casual gamers versus critics, emphasizing community biases and nostalgia.

• Controversial takes on popular titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Elden Ring, highlight how personal experiences shape perceptions and ratings in the gaming industry.