Super Best Friends Play

Super Best Friends Play was a popular web series hosted on Machinima, a now-defunct YouTube channel and media company that focused on the gaming community. The series was known for its humorous and irreverent take on video game "Let's Plays," which are videos where people play through video games while providing commentary. Comprised of a tight-knit group of friends who shared a genuine passion for video games and geek culture, the series provided an entertaining mix of gameplay, humor, and insightful discussions about the games they played.

The core group of Super Best Friends Play consisted of Matthew Kowalewski, Patrick Boivin, Woolie Madden, and Liam Allen-Miller. They were affectionately known to their fans as Matt, Pat, Woolie, and Liam (or "Rising Superstar Liam" for some time before he departed from the group), and they each brought their unique personalities and gaming tastes to the show. Matt was the founder and often the de facto lead of the group, with a particular love for dinosaurs and action figures. Pat, known for his red hair and fiery opinions, often provided the most animated reactions and in-depth knowledge on game mechanics. Woolie, with his distinct dreadlocks and fighting game expertise, often brought a competitive angle to the playthroughs. Lastly, Liam, the youngest member, had a penchant for anime and niche games, adding a wide breadth of gaming culture to the team.

The main attraction of Super Best Friends Play was the dynamic between the hosts. Their camaraderie and banter often led to hilarious situations, whether they were intentionally stoking each other's competitive spirits or poking fun at in-game absurdities. Unlike some solo commentators who played up reactions for the camera, the chemistry between the Best Friends felt genuine, born from a history of friendship and shared experiences.

The format of Super Best Friends Play involved the friends playing through a variety of video games, ranging from the latest big-budget releases to obscure titles that many viewers might not have heard of otherwise. The choice of games often reflected the hosts' diverse tastes and aptitudes, creating a rich and varied viewing experience. Episodes would often start with the group discussing the game in question, setting the scene with some background information or personal anecdotes before diving into the gameplay.

What set Super Best Friends Play apart from other gaming channels was not just the group’s rapport, but also their knowledge and understanding of game design, industry practices, and gamer culture. Discussions would often delve into the mechanics of how a game works, what made particular titles influential, or virtual world design philosophies. This elevated the show from mere entertainment to an informal, yet educational platform for understanding video games on a deeper level.

One notable aspect of Super Best Friends Play was the running gags and in-jokes that developed over time, many of which became beloved staples of the show. This created a sense of community among viewers who felt like they were part of an inside joke. Their passionate fanbase not only tuned in for their personalities and gameplay but also contributed to the growing lore of the series through fan art, animations, and remixes based on iconic moments from the show.

The series included various types of episodes, such as full playthroughs of games, abbreviated series of just a few parts for shorter or less engaging titles, and one-off episodes that showcased the group's first impressions of new releases. They also participated in themed events like the annual "Shitstorm," where they played horror games throughout October, or ongoing "Fisticuffs" episodes where they tackled various fighting games.

Additionally, the group didn't confine themselves to Super Best Friends Play; the friends also branched out into spin-off content. They launched a podcast, known as the Super Best Friendcast, where they discussed gaming news, answered fan questions, and gave insights into the games they were playing outside the show. The podcast allowed for more in-depth discussions and gave a chance for listeners to engage with the hosts in a more laid-back setting.

Despite its popularity, the series came to an end in December 2018. The dissolution of the group was announced as a mutual decision to pursue individual interests and projects. However, the legacy of Super Best Friends Play lives on through the extensive catalogue of episodes that continue to remain popular among long-time fans and newcomers to the channel.

In summary, Super Best Friends Play was a gaming web series that celebrated the joys of playing and discussing video games with good friends. It stood out in a crowded landscape of Let's Play content with its in-depth knowledge, genuine camaraderie, and unique brand of humor, creating an endearing legacy that is fondly remembered by its dedicated fanbase.