Favorite video essays?

[Jeanfranc]

I hate this attitude of doing a bad opinion and backing off by seeing "but hey, i'm stupid i don't know anything lol" as a way to not receive backlash for the stuff you said but still say stuff that they themselves aren't sure of.

...I know because i'm the type of idiot that does this.




...but hey, i don't know anything

Man its too good of a defense!

So sad that I can't criticize this comment as the commenter is a self proclaimed "idiot" therefore he is invulnerable to criticism

It's a clear sign of the dude speaking having absolutely zero spine to back up his opinions, It's always "..but what do I know about any this? this just my wholesome video, I'm so clumsy and autistic uguuu!"
What are they, scared of randos calling them bad words in the comments? is this a preschool?

This is idiotic, it makes any critique void of meaning, and that is, if they even said anything with a spec of nuance: most of the time I see a "critique" of game, especially an rpg, It's always the guy retelling the game's story while adding nothing or saying some stupid philosophical shit he learned in college. I swear I've heard one guy saying that Xenoblade 3's story is actually inspired by fucking Kierkegaard, dear God.

Honestly, I'd appreciate if these people talked more about gameplay mechanics and explored genres aside from rpgs and other story-heavy games: you could easily talk about the scoring mechanics and/or the gameplay systems of a 30 minutes-long arcade game for hours.

 

[Ikagura]

Honestly, I'd appreciate if these people talked more about gameplay mechanics and explored genres aside from rpgs and other story-heavy games: you could easily talk about the scoring mechanics and/or the gameplay systems of a 30 minutes-long arcade game for hours.

I've realized how "surface-level" essays were. Between explaining the history from Wikipedia to making basic analysis of something (especially with stuff like "Fallout is a satire of US culture").

We barely get essays that try to be technical (maybe out of fear that they'd lose audience mid-way).

The intricacies of Super Mario Bros are still relevant today.

 

[Pandaprewmaster325]

View attachment 27395
It's a clear sign of the dude speaking having absolutely zero spine to back up his opinions, It's always "..but what do I know about any this? this just my wholesome video, I'm so clumsy and autistic uguuu!"
What are they, scared of randos calling them bad words in the comments? is this a preschool?

This is idiotic, it makes any critique void of meaning, and that is, if they even said anything with a spec of nuance: most of the time I see a "critique" of game, especially an rpg, It's always the guy retelling the game's story while adding nothing or saying some stupid philosophical shit he learned in college. I swear I've heard one guy saying that Xenoblade 3's story is actually inspired by fucking Kierkegaard, dear God.

Honestly, I'd appreciate if these people talked more about gameplay mechanics and explored genres aside from rpgs and other story-heavy games: you could easily talk about the scoring mechanics and/or the gameplay systems of a 30 minutes-long arcade game for hours.

That's why I don't watch em anymore its like ikagura said surface level analysis that leave much to be desired....especially if you are a vivid fan of the game seeing the creator making obvious mistakes can be off pputting

 

[fake-kun]

View attachment 27395
It's a clear sign of the dude speaking having absolutely zero spine to back up his opinions, It's always "..but what do I know about any this? this just my wholesome video, I'm so clumsy and autistic uguuu!"
What are they, scared of randos calling them bad words in the comments? is this a preschool?

This is idiotic, it makes any critique void of meaning, and that is, if they even said anything with a spec of nuance: most of the time I see a "critique" of game, especially an rpg, It's always the guy retelling the game's story while adding nothing or saying some stupid philosophical shit he learned in college. I swear I've heard one guy saying that Xenoblade 3's story is actually inspired by fucking Kierkegaard, dear God.

Honestly, I'd appreciate if these people talked more about gameplay mechanics and explored genres aside from rpgs and other story-heavy games: you could easily talk about the scoring mechanics and/or the gameplay systems of a 30 minutes-long arcade game for hours.

Most people don't really give a shit about arcade game scoring systems, and those who do are generally not the kind of people to make video essays about it.

 

[ciro64]

Here's the video essay I'm most proud of making myself

Finished it, this is a great essay and very informative. I never played any of the God of War games but now I care more about them.

What did you think of Ragnarok?

 

[Jeanfranc]

I've realized how "surface-level" essays were. Between explaining the history from Wikipedia to making basic analysis of something (especially with stuff like "Fallout is a satire of US culture").

We barely get essays that try to be technical (maybe out of fear that they'd lose audience mid-way).

The intricacies of Super Mario Bros are still relevant today.

this channel's video are great yes, not really a dive a into the depths of the mechanics though, It's primarily technical stuff, I still very much appreciate it though

Most people don't really give a shit about arcade game scoring systems, and those who do are generally not the kind of people to make video essays about it.

That's why the best video essays are 1CCs commentaries made by the player himself (or just 1CCs where the player is actually speaking)

 

[goregoregoregoregoregore]

View attachment 27395
It's a clear sign of the dude speaking having absolutely zero spine to back up his opinions, It's always "..but what do I know about any this? this just my wholesome video, I'm so clumsy and autistic uguuu!"
What are they, scared of randos calling them bad words in the comments? is this a preschool?

This is idiotic, it makes any critique void of meaning, and that is, if they even said anything with a spec of nuance: most of the time I see a "critique" of game, especially an rpg, It's always the guy retelling the game's story while adding nothing or saying some stupid philosophical shit he learned in college. I swear I've heard one guy saying that Xenoblade 3's story is actually inspired by fucking Kierkegaard, dear God.

Honestly, I'd appreciate if these people talked more about gameplay mechanics and explored genres aside from rpgs and other story-heavy games: you could easily talk about the scoring mechanics and/or the gameplay systems of a 30 minutes-long arcade game for hours.

It's stupid, but that's the thing, these channels don't do it to really be educational, they want them good views and monetizations, and similarly in a business world strong opinions have tendency to be controversial, so they try to make their opinion the most neutral possible or try to give these excuses. People get more in ease when a guy that they disagree say "yeah i'm stupid" because this validate something in their head that everyone they disagree is stupid and wrong. That's why anyone discussing politics will portray the opposite side as something inferior and dumb, we see this stuff online everyday.
People love to watch videos pretending to be smart because they can pretend to be smart too lol.

This channel here is awesome to explain Quake mechanics stuff, i don't think they can actually be called video essays but they are very nice

Quake Speedruns Explained

Covering the history, players, techniques and records of Quake Speedrunning.

www.youtube.com

 

[Nidstang]

Finished it, this is a great essay and very informative. I never played any of the God of War games but now I care more about them.

What did you think of Ragnarok?

I have not actually played Ragnarok. I was going to, but based on how I felt about GOW2018, I felt I'd just rather spend the time playing other games.

 

[Ikagura]

Most people don't really give a shit about arcade game scoring systems, and those who do are generally not the kind of people to make video essays about it.

Arcade players are not made of the same material as most it seems.

That's why the best video essays are 1CCs commentaries made by the player himself (or just 1CCs where the player is actually speaking)

I absolutely love replay commentaries in shmups. I've loved one about Radiant Silvergun.

 

[Jeanfranc]

Arcade players are not made of the same material as most it seems.

Alas where are a dying breed

I absolutely love replay commentaries in shmups. I've loved one about Radiant Silvergun.

I've recently watched this amazing Druaga 1cc, it is as informative as it gets, It's a shame it has so few views.

 

[Antilocal123]

I’ve tried making them myself but fuck me a good video essay is difficult.

I really like Chazington’s Essays, they feel like hearing a drunken man ramble with random shit spliced in.

 

[Mopeybloke]

This channel here is awesome to explain Quake mechanics stuff, i don't think they can actually be called video essays but they are very nice

Quake Speedruns Explained

Covering the history, players, techniques and records of Quake Speedrunning.

www.youtube.com

I second this channel. It's great. His latest video is an intro to Quake speedrunning.

Here are some of my favourites.

 

[Ícaro Oliveira Santos]

Fantastic video essay about Super Paper Mario that explores and discusses the themes, messages and symbolism of the game very well. I've always loved the story and characters of Super Paper Mario and I'm amazed at how ambitious the story of this game is.

 

[LaserMoose]

Matthewmatosis is the only video essay channel I would go up to bat for.

 

[abu2411]

I really like this video essay on the matrix sequels.

 

[hitsugi]

I don’t like video essays at all, but I liked this one about Super Mario Galaxy:

I think it gets straight to the point and really captures the feelings of someone who grew up playing this game. I prefer ones that are positive like this one.

 

[Raziya The Seeker]

Its a deconstruction, of an imaginary game he came up with, going through the design document he made, making commentary on why he did it that way, and having fun imagining how cool the game could be.

If you have made games, you can 100% understand his enthusiasm.

Holy crap, this is a cool idea. I remember when I was a preteen, I used to write walkthroughs for imaginary games that didn't exist. It's no surprise that I'd play with Don Miguel's cracked version of RPG Maker 2000, let alone create my own made-up tabletop RPG for lunch and study hall before I'd ever played D&D.

I've seriously got to give this one a look. :o

To answer OP's question? I like a few more video essayists than I care to admit. LGR, Ahoy, Sseth, Shady Doorags, Terrible Writing Advice, and WhoIsThisGit are my veritable Pokemon / Wizardry team of six favorites. I've also liked videos from Alpha Jay, Matt McMuscles and GTV Japan in the past too, and infrequently check back with Kyle Hill's channel too.

As for three of my all-time favorite specific video essays? Here y'go.

 

[Ícaro Oliveira Santos]

Two amazing video essays on games that I love.

 

[Ikagura]

Allowing over 15 minutes video was a double edged sword.

 

[zacharinolongpants]

Wow I'm shocked that a lot of people just blanket hate the concept of a video essay lol. That's kinda weird. I've watched some really cool insightful ones. Hearing people talk in depth and really try to unpack concepts and see what works and doesn't work in a game is fun. Whether you agree or not with somebody, being prompted to think about interesting takes is cool. Tons of interesting and articulate people out there.

I think some of the people here are throwing the baby out with the bathwater lol. Majuular, Super Bunnyhop, and a few others produce meaningful content that educates and entertains.

 

[longestseason]

I think AnyAustin's video essays are fun to watch because he often focus on meaningless ideas and turns them into interesting topics. The video about Morrowind's non-existent rivers is one of my favorites of his

 

[Ikagura]

Wow I'm shocked that a lot of people just blanket hate the concept of a video essay lol. That's kinda weird. I've watched some really cool insightful ones. Hearing people talk in depth and really try to unpack concepts and see what works and doesn't work in a game is fun. Whether you agree or not with somebody, being prompted to think about interesting takes is cool. Tons of interesting and articulate people out there.

I think some of the people here are throwing the baby out with the bathwater lol. Majuular, Super Bunnyhop, and a few others produce meaningful content that educates and entertains.

I think it's because of the general fatigue and people not knowing how to make a proper and synthetic video.

 

[ciro64]

 

[Graves Ruinwalker]

I like more Video-essay-channels that are much more lively and arent wikipedia-articles copy pasted .

-Josh Strive Plays
-Grimbeard
-SRD
-Civvie11
-Aqua Walrus (its okay but has the most obscure ones)
-Indigo gaming
-Matt Mcmuscles (Wha happun?)

 

[MKC]

This guy has definitely made work go by fast

Honorable mentions:
Dungeon Chill
NitroRad
LGR
Boulder Punch
TotallyPointlessTV
Avalanche Reviews
Eurothug4000