What is Into the Aether about?

Into the Aether is about video games, especially what Stephen Hilger and Brendon Bigley are currently playing, revisiting, or thinking about. The show covers new releases, RPGs, handhelds, retro consoles, indies, and recurring personal favorites in a relaxed conversational style.

Who hosts Into the Aether?

Into the Aether is hosted by Stephen Hilger and Brendon Bigley, with AJ Fillari credited as producer.

How long are Into the Aether episodes?

Most regular Into the Aether episodes run about 1.5 to 2 hours. Bonus specials and annual game-of-the-year episodes can be much longer.

How often does Into the Aether release?

Into the Aether releases weekly most of the time, with occasional bonus episodes and longer special episodes.

Where can I listen to Into the Aether?

Into the Aether is available on Podfriend and any podcast app that supports RSS, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Into the Aether - A Low Key Video Game Podcast

Stephen Hilger + Brendon Bigley·Hosted by Stephen Hilger and Brendon Bigley·440 episodes

LeisureGamesVideo GamesCo-hostedVideo game chatWeeklyCozy banterLong episodesRPG-friendly

A low key video game podcast by Stephen Hilger and Brendon Bigley. Produced by AJ Fillari!

Why listen

Into the Aether is a warm, funny video game hangout with Stephen Hilger and Brendon Bigley, built around what they have been playing rather than rigid review scores or news churn. Episodes wander through new releases, handheld curiosities, RPGs, indies, retro hardware, and absurd recurring bits, making it especially good for listeners who want thoughtful game talk that still feels like spending time with friends.

Series(1)

4 eps

0/4

Series

X-Strike Summer

Episodes

1 hr 52 min

Jun 3, 2026Episode 44

Property of MI6 (feat. Mina the Hollower, 007 First Light, and Pocket Bomberman)

Bond, we need you to stand in front of this wall and show off the latest styles from Old Navy. Check out Neon Crown by Jenny Reed on Kindle! - https://www.amazon.com/Neon-Crown-Jenny-Reed-ebook/dp/B0H1FBBTHBDiscussed: Hits of 2026, Mina the Hollower, games from our past that haunt us, Pocket Bomberman, N64 era of Bomberman, 007 First Light, GoldenEye, Perfect Dark, favorite eras of Bond, the influence of Uncharted, WarioWare montage, beige Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:21) - Lost in the sauce (02:36) - Mina the Hallower | The goo flows (37:30) - BRIEF MECHANICAL SPOILER (38:03) - Mina the Hallower | The goo continues to flow (45:09) - Break (45:59) - Pocket Bomberman | Haunted games (01:00:51) - Kaboom (01:00:53) - Tell us about your haunted games (01:02:22) - 007: First Light | James Bond TWO (01:48:53) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Michael CBrian MSuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd ASamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseRobert M

1 hr 15 min

May 27, 2026Episode 43

Artificial Banana (feat. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight + Xenogears)

Sometimes I have dreams about a fruit you have to peel before you eat. It's this bright yellow color, it almost looks unnatural. Use code AETHER20 at checkout for 20% off your first year of Pika!"The Need for GTA 6's Success Is A Symptom Of A Broken Industry" by Joshua RiveraDiscussed: Summer Game Fest on the horizon, GTA 6 on the horizon, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, the ambition of the Lego games, different eras of Batman, video game comedies, Rugrats, Mario, Xenogears, the haunted ice cream truckFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:20) - Two things | SGF, GTA 6, Brendon's Tree, Nintendo Direct maybe coming (22:33) - Break (23:47) - LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight | The Killing Poke (stepping on a LEGO) (46:53) - Break (46:54) - Into the Pigpen (50:26) - Xenogears | The Mario of video games (01:11:03) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Michael CBrian MSuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd ASamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt B<

1 hr 50 min

May 21, 2026Episode 42

Octodad Traveler (feat. The Adventures of Elliot Demo, the PS1, Resident Evil 2, and more!)

Octodaaaad, really loves his RPGs.Teachers Lounge's new EP Home Entertainment is available now on Bandcamp! - https://teacherslounge.bandcamp.com/album/home-entertainmentThe PS1 PlaylistPolygon interview with Tomoya Asano and Naofumi MatsushitaDiscussed: Malört, show predictions, PS1 playlist update, PS1 sampler platter, Bust A Groove, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, Crash Team Racing, Final Fantasy VII, FFIX & Howl’s Moving Castle, Spyro vs Crash, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (Prologue Demo), Square Enix’s take on Mario, Resident Evil Requiem, Leon Must Die Forever, Resident Evil 2 Remake, RE2, Capcom Remake rumorsFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:51) - Realigning your QPU (03:25) - Nice shirt (04:56) - You GOTTA listen to the backlog (06:49) - Some PS1 updates! (12:25) - Bust a Groove | Games from your dreams (17:01) - Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 | Bob Burnquist was X (29:12) - Break (29:13) - The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Prologue Demo | The city of brotherly Elliot (01:06:30) - Break (01:06:31) - Super Welliot Bros. (01:07:20) - Resident Evil 9 | The Elliot of Raccoon City (01:19:48) - Resident Evil 2 & 3 Remakes | BB plays catch-up (01:38:48) - Resident Evil: Rumors | Maybe spoilers for games that might come out? (01:46:31) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Michael CBrian MSuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd ASamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJoh

1 hr 54 min

May 13, 2026Episode 41

Conker's Best Fur Day for the Ultra Nintendo (feat. Alabaster Dawn, Pragmata, Saros, and more!)

Dinosorry to hear you expected Fox McCloud instead of Conker!Discussed: Star Fox and its upcoming remake, the various eras of Star Fox, the return of the 3DS, Alabaster Dawn (Early Access), Ultra Nintendo, Cross Code, Pragmata, Project Hail Mary, Saros, telling a story through a roguelike Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:24) - Into the Apple (the Big one) (01:48) - Starfox | What if Slippy looked more wet (28:27) - Tiding from Roger to Chad! (29:06) - Alabaster Dawn | Capybara Pet Simulator 2028 (01:04:23) - Break (01:04:24) - Pragmata (EARLY GAME SPOILERS) | Morndas mornin' moon is fallin' (this is a Maroon 5 joke, don't ask me why) (01:23:09) - Saros | The PS5 swan song (01:45:38) - That's it (01:48:47) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Brian MSuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd ASamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseRobert MMichael WAndrewthis_JUSTINRyan O14.3 billion yearsBrendan KMegan BSecretAgentKoalaNoah OArcturusA

1 hr 35 min

May 6, 2026Episode 40

Waiting for Joey (feat. Esoteric Ebb, Saros, Bobo Bay, and more!)

Joey's head pierces the veil of the chained apartment door as blinding sunlight pours in behind him. His eyes are wrong — they're the color of jewels, reds and blues all mixed up and coating every millimeter. His expression is contorted, almost beyond recognition. "THE CEASELESS FEAST OF WANT," he yells into the room, "A GLEAMING BEACON SHIMMERING ON THE HORIZON." He tries to force his way into the room again, but the chain holds. "WE ARE WANTED. WE ARE HERE TO SERVE AND REST OUR BONES UPON A GOLDEN THRONE. THE SUN IS FOREVER, AND SO TOO SHALL WE BE." Joey from the hit sitcom Friends retreats from the crack in the door, leaving a radiant glow spilling into the room. Discussed: Joey, George Costanza, Captain Picard, Esoteric Ebb, Disco Elysium, getting into CRPGS, neo-noir and grooviness, Saros, AAA roguelikes, Danny Boyle’s “Sunshine”, Bobo Bay, Vampire CrawlersFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:40) - The Friends to Seinfeld spectrum (05:18) - Esoteric Ebb | Curb Your Charisma Check (37:34) - Tiding from Abby to Kellan! (38:31) - Saros | Normal guy in normal land (01:11:53) - Break (01:11:54) - Bobo Bay | Prayers answered (01:19:13) - Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard Game from Vampire Survivors | You like cards? (01:30:21) - What's coming out? (01:32:37) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Brian MSuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd ASamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanz

1 hr 28 min

Apr 29, 2026Episode 39

One Hundred Grandfathers (feat. Rogue Legacy 2, Monster Hunter Stories 3, Paranormasight, and more!)

Name one hundred grandfathers. Fastest to name one hundred grandfathers wins. You will be disqualified if you name someone who is not a grandfather or if you remove your headphones which will be naming one hundred grandmothers at a high volume. Your time starts when you put your headphones on.Discussed: Taskmaster, huge thanks to our patrons, the Vita episode is out, handheld games, revisiting Rogue Legacy 2 on a smaller screen, future consoles, daydreaming about UFO 50, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, the joys of character creation, video game musicals, Vampire Crawlers, Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse, what games pull off making internal documents fun, Flock AroundThe Vita Episode is here!Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:21) - The Marvel skeleton (00:55) - Check out the Patreon for the Vita episode!!! (02:30) - Vita, hardware, and the industry (26:27) - Break (26:28) - Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection | ENOUGH about the Vita we're BACK TO GAMING (57:17) - Break (57:18) - Brendon has been gaming (57:49) - Vampire Crawlers | The go-to video game (01:07:04) - Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse | The 30-year old game (01:21:17) - Flock Around | Birdwatching with friends (01:25:30) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Brian MSuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd ASamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim

1 hr 42 min

Apr 22, 2026Episode 38

Hatsworthiness (feat. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Vampire Crawlers, and Titanium Court)

It's Henry's court now.Discussed: Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, the joy of making OCs, Vampire Crawlers, Titanium Court, Hatsworthy games, hits that didn’t click Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:26) - Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream | Living the dream (47:17) - Break (47:18) - Vampire Crawlers | Magic Wand, Spinach, Whip, Knife, Flame Wand (01:14:52) - Break (01:14:53) - Titanium Court | oh sick, you brought the listener! you guys hungry? (01:33:34) - Games that we want/don't want to play more of (01:39:29) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Brian MSuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd ASamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseRobert MMichael WAndrewthis_JUSTINRyan O14.3 billion yearsBrendan KMegan BSecretAgentKoalaNoah OArcturusAndrew WhepaheChase ALoveDiesNick QChris MRBKaren HAdam FScott HAlexander SMatt HMurrayDavid PJason KMicah OKamrin HAndrew DKyle SPhilip N<p

1 hr 17 min

Apr 15, 2026Episode 36

Hugh and Rockin' Rob with The Moonheads (feat. Pragmata, Guilty Gear Strive, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax)

The AI running this moonbase hasn't responded for a few days, which is weird. I'm being sent up there on a mission to investigate the possible cause, but before I go I have one last thing on my agenda: Play a kickass rock song with the crew.Discussed: the p4g episode and the vita episode, Pragmata, the street sweeper, fighting games, Guilty Gear Strive 2.0, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, the Persona spin-offs, Pokémon ChampionsFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:22) - Thank you! (04:09) - Pragmata | NOT Megaman (yet) (35:48) - Break (35:49) - Guilty Gear -Strive- | The Quest Keeps Continuing (51:47) - Persona 4 Arena Ultimax | Solving murders can wait. I have to FIGHT (01:03:06) - Pokémon Champions | BB Sports (01:14:15) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Brian MSuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd ASamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseRobert MMichael WAndrewthis_JUSTINRyan O14.3 billion yearsBrendan KMegan BSecretAgentKoalaNoah OArcturusAndrew W<br

5 hr 52 min

Apr 10, 2026

Persona 4 Golden | Bonus Episode

Stephen and Brendon discuss the entirety of Persona 4 Golden and answer questions about friendship, social psychology, and what it's like to be a maligned cartoon bear in the human world.Discussed: Persona 4 GoldenITA's PS1 PlaylistMatt Horton's video essay on P4G for Flow State"It's Time to Talk About it: Atlus, Naoto, and Transphobia" by Mattie Brice"Atlus, We Haven't Forgotten Your Mishandling of LGBTQ Characters" by Carol Grant"Persona 4's Identity Crisis Invalidates its Themes" by Lucas White"Denial of the Self: Queer Characters in Persona 4" by Carolyn PetitFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - "Shadow World" composed by Shoji Meguro, Vocals by Shihoko Hirata, lyrics by Benjamin Franklin (00:10) - There's no way you thought this would actually be lowkey right? (02:52) - Hey welcome to the show! (05:12) - The culmination of an eight year journey (13:30) - Stephen's history with the franchise (23:28) - General thoughts (01:05:42) - Should you start with this one? (01:11:32) - Spoiler checkpoint! (01:11:53) - "Time to Make History" Composed by Shoji Meguro, Vocals by Shihoko Hirata, lyrics by Benjamin Franklin (01:12:29) - FINAL SPOILER WARNING (01:14:10) - How it begins (01:25:24) - The first dungeon (01:27:22) - Teddie pt. 1 (01:31:29) - Yukiko and the first dungeon (01:46:28) - The progress-gating (02:00:09) - "Signs of Love" Composed by Shoji Meguro, Vocals by Shihoko Hirata (02:00:34) - It's Kanji time (02:21:48) - Dojima and Nanako (02:27:50) - The fridge (02:29:08) - The family unit (02:31:53) - Rise (02:40:47) - Teddie pt. 2 (02:51:35) - The Summer (02:57:46) - Naoto</

1 hr 23 min

Apr 8, 2026Episode 35

Daruni-O's: They Rock! (feat. Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Fire Emblem, Advance Wars, and Cairn)

Surgeon General's Warning: Consuming Daruni-O's in any capacity can cause multiple health problems including chipped or broken teeth, stomach pain, or death. Do not consume Daruni-O's if human or Hylian. Daruni-O's are meant for goron consumption only. Discussed: spring, upcoming Vita episode, FFX on Vita, the potential Ocarina of Time remake, perception of remakes, different eras of Zelda, Advance Wars, Cairn, photo mode in RE9GMTK video about where Zelda can go next as a seriesClimber plays CairnFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:20) - Into the Waether (04:39) - Ocarina of Time remake rumors | A perfect segue (40:09) - Break (40:10) - Persona 4 Golden coming this Friday!! (41:21) - Advance Wars | An imperfect segue (01:00:15) - Break (01:00:16) - Cairn | The rumors are true (01:18:18) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Brian MSuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd ASamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezac<br

1 hr 52 min

Apr 1, 2026Episode 34

That's Fire Emblem: Three Houses (feat. Fire Emblem: Three Houses... and Mega Man Star Force)

When the calendar is bare, and a game can fit in there?That's Fire Emblem: Three Houses!When you don't know what to play, but you gotta kill the day?That's Fire Emblem: Three Houses!Discussed: PAX East, C2E2, new patreon episodes, the 2010 era of roguelikes, Spelunky, FTL, different styles of motivation, Fire Emblem Three Houses, the beauty of barks, Mega Man Star Force, the worst dressage music Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:23) - PAX and C2E2 (12:34) - Break (12:35) - Tidings from Jake to Rick! (13:10) - Talking about Roguelike/lites (45:53) - Break (45:55) - Fire Emblem: Three House | Somehow, Byleth returned (it was Divine Pulse) (01:15:57) - Break (01:15:58) - Megaman Star Force Legacy Collection | There is nothing that could prepare you for how complex this lore is (01:49:01) - AJ is very cool and has good podcasts and definitely is not writing this chapter text (01:49:35) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd ASamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio Lninj

1 hr 38 min

Mar 25, 2026Episode 33

Wacky Wally’s Big Bassoon Solo (feat. Persona 5 Royal, Soulcalibur III, Marathon, and more!)

Oh god, Wally's up on stage at the open mic again. Get ready for ten more minutes of "Oh! Susanna" unless he finally learned how to play something new this month…Discussed: Upcoming P4G bonus, Persona 5 Royal, the loop of Persona, our expectations for Persona 6, Resident Evil Requiem, the hunk of gaming, the history and the future of Resident Evil, Soul Calibur III, MarathonFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:21) - Into the into the into the into the Aether (01:29) - P4G Bonus Post-Mortem (03:36) - Persona 5 Royal | First Surprise (47:31) - Break (47:32) - Resident Evil Requiem | I've got something to say (01:06:52) - Soul Calibur III | Oh by the way (01:18:17) - Marathon | Brendon made a video about Marathon! (01:33:46) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseRobert MMichael WAndrewthis_JUSTINRyan O14.3 billion yearsBrendan KMegan BSecretAgentKoalaNoah O

1 hr 19 min

Mar 18, 2026Episode 32

Teddie is for Everyone (feat. Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse, Slay the Spire II, Minishoot' Adventures, and more!)

Travel outside of any major metropolitan area. Escape the light pollution. Hike out to the middle of the woods. Climb the highest peak you can. On exceptionally clear nights, surrounded by your friends, look into the sky and you just might see him peering back. Discussed: Our hero with a pizza, an impromptu Square Enix discussion, the strength of Team Asano, the future of Final Fantasy, Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse, final puzzles and true endings, the future of Paranormasight, the importance of niche appeal and modest success, Teddie, Slay the Spire II, the March "forever" games, Pokopia update, Minishoot’ Adventures "Dissolving the past in the present in Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse" A great interview with the director and producer of Paranormasight, Takanari Ishiyama and Kazuma Oushu, about the making of The Mermaid's CurseOur Slay the Spire 2 StreamNBZ's 2024 GOTY VideoFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:20) - Talkin' about Squeenix (11:08) - Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse | While we're here (32:28) - Send in your questions for the Persona 4 Golden bonus! (33:44) - Break (33:45) - Slay the Spire 2 Early Access | What if there was a game you could never win? (56:43) - Pokopia update (57:35) - Break (57:36) - Minishoot' Adventures | Righting a wrong (01:12:56) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WTod

1 hr 35 min

Mar 11, 2026Episode 31

Scyther is my Roommate (feat. Pokémon Pokopia, Slay the Spire 2, and Resident Evil Requiem)

"Yo, Ditto, I gotta admit -- splitting the rent is almost as fun as gathering lumber!"If anyone else said this to me, I would assume they were being passive aggressive. But not Scyther, my roommate. He's the coolest guy in all of Pokopia.Discussed: Pokémon Pokopia, the DQ Builders 2 influence, Pokémon personalities, roommate Scyther, the future of Animal Crossing, the latter half of Resident Evil Requiem, the Jekyll and Hyde restaurant, why Claire Redfield should be in more games, Slay the Spire 2 Early Access, the unique challenge of making a sequel to a beloved roguelike, spring's arrival Article about children's relationship with Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy by Carlos "Zoto" ZotomayorResident Evil Requiem: Dead Inside by Kerry Brunskill Stephen's playthrough of Resident Evil RequiemFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:27) - Pokopia | Into the Clayther (44:13) - Break (44:14) - Resident Evil Requiem | What if your housemates were evil? (01:04:57) - Break (01:04:59) - Slay the Spire 2 | 2 Spire 2 Slayrious (01:25:15) - 2026 is done now, actually (01:31:07) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler J

1 hr 52 min

Mar 4, 2026Episode 30

Buff Sam and Old Leon (feat. Resident Evil Requiem, Marathon, and Ys X)

If I do this squat, it'll be the most squats I've ever done outside of The Shire.Discussed: Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom’s modern hits, Off-Broadway Skyrim, our experience with Resident Evil, Leon and Grace, camp, Ys X: Proud Nordics, modern Ys gameplay, Buff Sam, Trails of Cold Steel, Falcom Corner, Marathon Server Slam, battle royales and Destiny-likes, BB’s time with Destiny, extraction shooters, Super Monsanto, Big DefectFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:19) - Resident Evil Requiem | Today's for the freaks (55:00) - Break (55:01) - Surprise! It's a Stephen segment (55:50) - Ys X: Proud Nordics | Pronounced like "geese" (01:08:44) - Trails of Cold Steel | Vita prep is ongoing! (01:16:45) - Alabaster Dawn | Check out BB talking about more demos on Wavelengths! (01:17:31) - Break (01:17:32) - Variations on a Samwise (01:18:05) - Marathon | Talking about Marathon (01:49:19) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio Lnin

1 hr 43 min

Feb 25, 2026Episode 29

Mud is Overpowered (feat. Mario Tennis Fever, Reanimal, Danganronpa, and Paranormasight)

Sakurai steps up to the podium, looking troubled. He's not his confident self this time around — and it's doubly weird that he's making this announcement live and in person instead of through some kind of Nintendo Direct. There's even regular press here, not just games media people. "We are removing Matthew McConaughey as Mud from Super Smash Bros. We are aware of rumors circulating regarding a licensing agreement lapsing or some kind of issue with having a real person present in the video game, but this is all just speculation. The truth is that we are removing Mud because he is overpowered, and in all of our internal testing there was no way to reign in his power while staying true to the character. Mud is just too good."Discussed: Mario Tennis Fever, the Mario sports games, Baby Waluigi, Reanimal, various appeals of co-op play, weird stuff, Danganronpa, gamifying visual novels, games with a sense of place, Paranormasight the mermaids curse, underwater game music, Pokemon Black and White anniversary Jake Steinberg's Mario Tennis Fever ReviewBowl of Lentils YouTube ChannelFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:27) - Mario Tennis Fever | We have the fever (33:06) - Tiding from Kyle and Jenn to Joel K.! (34:03) - Reanimal | Not the norm (45:48) - Break (45:49) - Weird Stuff February (46:14) - Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc | Febbruary (01:18:11) - Break (01:18:12) - Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse | The visual novel corner (01:35:52) - Pokémon Black and White | NOT a segment (01:40:56) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel

1 hr 44 min

Feb 19, 2026Episode 28

Dice of Fate (feat. Danganronpa, Windblown, Under the Island, and more)

Sometimes life leads you down a certain path where you know exactly where, when, how, and why things should fall into their natural order. Other times, you need to dice of fate to give you a helping hand. And that's what life is all about.Discussed: rolling a d10, Windblown, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, the vibe of the Vita library, BB’s P4G update, rolling a 4, Culdcept, Smash Bros. for 3DS, Tabuu, Under the Island, the influence of Zelda, Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island, the tragedy of Fatal LabyrinthFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:48) - It's a die episode, baby (01:53) - Windblown | Rolling a 1 (20:15) - Time To (roll the) DIE (20:26) - Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc | Rolling a 4 (40:12) - Break (40:14) - The hot new die roll theme song (40:45) - Culdcept Revolt | Rolling an 8 (43:31) - Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS | The real game (01:01:33) - Flipping a COIN?! (01:02:26) - Under The Island | Rolling a... tails (01:17:58) - Shiren The Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island | Let me do one more (01:36:50) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GK

1 hr 44 min

Feb 11, 2026Episode 27

Highguard Accent (feat. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Nioh 3, and Monster Hunter Stories 3)

Linguists are baffled. “There seems to be a new subcommunity in a niche online video game developing a totally new manner of speech by fusing what’s known as the ‘Valorant accent’ with idioms from medieval English,” writes a joint statement from The Linguistic Society of East and West.Discussed: BB realizes he’s offline, Highguard, early impressions of Deadlock, Yoda in Soul Calibur, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, the pros and cons of remakes, the history of DQVII, Nioh 3, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Demo, new games on the horizon "A History of Dragon Quest (and Why To Try It Now)" by Chris PlanteHarvestella Review by Kaile Hultner PS1 Playlists:The ten listener poll winnersThe full playlistFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:19) - Highguard | Brendon Offlineley (12:09) - Dragon Quest VII Reimagined | The first game of the episode (57:50) - Break (57:52) - Nioh 3 | Kiefer's favorite game (01:13:30) - Break (01:13:32) - There was a Nintendo Direct (01:15:14) - Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection | Another 3 (01:33:08) - On the horizon (01:36:22) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTige

1 hr 34 min

Feb 4, 2026Episode 26

Joeylike (feat. Code Vein II, CAIRN, Nioh 3, and Fire Emblem: Awakening)

The makings of a Joeylike are pretty simple, all things considered: The player character needs to ask "how you doin'?" as often as possible. This generally makes Joeylikes easy to spot from a mile away, but it also means they come off as derivative. Attempts to change the Joeylike catchphrase are often disasterous. Discussed: Code Vein II, Nioh 3's demo, Elden Ring: Nightreign, soulslikes, Joey from Friends, Fire Emblem Awakening, CAIRNCheck out Pixels and Polygons! - https://pixelsandpolygons.net/Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (01:01) - Code Vein II | A soulsmuse-bouche (29:35) - Nioh 3 Demo | A soulsmuse-bouche (34:14) - Elden Ring: Nightreign | A soulsmuse-bouche (51:01) - Break (51:59) - Fire Emblem Awakening | The Console Wars are real (01:08:49) - Pick a game and play! (01:08:59) - Cairn | It's peak (01:29:02) - Cairning up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseRobert MMichael WA

1 hr 25 min

Jan 28, 2026Episode 25

You Remind Me of the Frog (feat. Tokyo Xanadu, 428: Shibuya Scramble, and more)

Jareth skulks through the castle and out the front gates while listening to their favorite podcast, hair somehow bopping to and fro while also locked into its gravity-defying shape. As he makes his way towards the lillies, a new song idea slams its way into his frontal lobe. It's a riff on another song he sang long ago. He croaks it into existence. Discussed: strange recording arrangements, Persona 4 Golden, the final bosses of Persona, Tokyo Xanadu Ex+, the potential of a sequel, DnD with Brendon, 428: Shibuya Scramble, Code Vein II Demo, dreams of Tomodachi Life, and a handful of Switch gamesVideo essay mentioned about ToseWe encourage those who are able to donate to:Immigrant Law Center of MinnesotaMinnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee"How To Help If You Are Outside Minnesota" from Naomi Kritzer's BlogFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:19) - Into the recording setups (04:53) - Persona 4 Golden | A well-balanced meal (12:45) - Tokyo Xanadu ex+ | The third pillar of Falcom (40:15) - Break (40:17) - 428: Shibuya Scramble | Video games, but real???? (49:03) - PARANORMASIGHT SPOILERS (49:11) - 428: Shibuya Scramble | Video games, but real???? (54:57) - Code Vein II | Secretly made by our favorite developers (maybe???) (01:02:52) - Many games and the Switch 2 | A salve from the universe (01:15:02) - Wrapping up (01:16:59) - Fuck ICE, stand with your neighbors ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRob

1 hr 36 min

Jan 21, 2026Episode 24

Toot My Own Back (feat. Hytale, Escape From Ever After, Tekken 3, and more!)

I don't mean to hy my own tale about this, but I have some theories about Persona 6 that I'm feeling pretty confident about.Discussed: Malort, steam heat radiators responding to negative temperature weather, Tekken 3, informed button mashing, Vital Shell, Cannon Spike-Likes, a reminder about the ps1 poll and goty giveaway, Escape From Ever After, next bonus ep, Persona 6 theories, HytaleCameron’s piece on HytaleFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:42) - Celebrity encounters (02:38) - Back in Chicago (05:04) - Video games??? Maybe! (08:10) - Tekken 3 | Your favorite game on the best CD player (23:06) - Vital Shell | Spikelike (24:35) - GOTY Giveaway! (25:55) - Break (25:56) - Escape from Ever After | Declining is not recommended (48:43) - A bonus announcement?! (57:19) - Break (57:20) - Hytale | Stephen's Malort (01:31:13) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesl

1 hr 33 min

Jan 14, 2026Episode 23

Time to Slime (feat. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Blue Prince, Unbeatable, and Mario Tennis Power Tour)

What do Dragon Quest games and 90s Nickelodeon game shows have in common?Discussed: What is five dollars, Blue Prince, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, Unbeatable, Mario Tennis: Power TourUse code AETHER20 at checkout for 20% off your first year of Pika!Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:21) - AJ is here! (04:08) - How much is 5 dollars? (08:54) - Blue Prince | It's like "prince" but also "prints". Get it? (25:24) - Break (28:05) - Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined | It's a hero once again! (51:25) - Break (51:26) - Unbeatable | Count me in, Jack (01:03:45) - Mario Tennis Power Tour | Some are calling it the Culinary Class Wars of gaming (01:22:27) - AJ's Switch 2 critical mass (01:27:30) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SuperThisWayNick GStarfallrondoSusan H0nlygh0stsVincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseRobert MMichael WAndrewthis_JUSTINRyan O14.3 billion yearsBrendan KMega

1 hr 39 min

Jan 7, 2026Episode 21

7:18 and a Bowl of Chili (feat. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment & Persona 4 Golden)

Thank you to Theater of the Mindset for sponsoring this episode!Hey is this thing on? Had an idea for a Persona game but instead of "The Midnight Channel" there's "The 7:18 Bowl of Chili." What do we think, gang?Discussed: Post-GOTY, what we had for dinner, Antiques Roadshow, GOTY 2016, the next season premiere, The Jersey Devil, Brendon Vaguely, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, the appeal of the Warriors spin-offs, Zelda’s past and future, the Zelda movie, Persona 4 Golden, the upcoming Persona 4 remake, the unique strengths of Persona 4(Spoilers for our 2026 Season Premiere:) Google Form for your input. Details mentioned in the episode!Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.socialFollow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (01:31) - Thank you for being here! (02:57) - The next season premiere will be... (08:39) - Antiques Roadshow (12:20) - Flipping something just for kicks (12:30) - Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment | Antiques Castle Town Show (35:30) - Break (36:11) - BB stands for Big Bug (36:32) - Persona 4 Golden | It's time to talk about Persona 4 Golden (01:21:41) - Mid-game Teddie spoiler!!! (01:27:09) - Persona 4 Golden | It's time to talk about Persona 4 Golden (01:34:24) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Vincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd N

6 hr 23 min

Dec 31, 2025Episode 20

The 2025 Game of the Year Spectacular

Hear ye, hear ye!! Don your warmest winter gear and settle in for another recounting of our favorite video games from this most recent year. And by "our" we of course also mean "your." It's everyone's GOTY. And that's why it's called a "Spectacular."Discussed: Our ten favorite games of 2025, and a lot more.(Spoilers for our 2026 Season Premiere:) Google Form for your input. Details mentioned in the episode!Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---***🚨SONG CREDITS ARE IN CHAPTERS. FULL SPOILERS FOR THE LIST!!!🚨***Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (01:23) - What the heck is this podcast anyway?? (06:00) - The PS Vita episode is coming! (12:03) - The year 2025 (33:37) - AJ's Game of the Year! (36:07) - GOTOYs (53:01) - Zuko of the Year (53:57) - GOTOYs (01:28:08) - That's the GOTOYs! (01:29:27) - Trouble Shooting Star by ZENTA | Yakuza 0 OST (01:29:45) - Matt Horton's Game of the Year! (01:30:58) - How we do GOTY (01:31:52) - Stephen's #10 (01:38:24) - solar flare by kariomart, Blue Cayman | Q-Up OST (01:38:51) - Brendon's #10 (01:43:58) - Airport by Erik Skog | PEAK OST (01:44:24) - Stephen's #9 (01:54:57) - Lagoon Layer by Naoto Kubo | Donkey Kong Bananza OST (01:55:29) - Brendon's #9 (02:03:19) - Bountiful Harvest by Amos Roddy | Ball X Pit OST (02:03:44) - Stephen's #8 (02:10:38) - Detective by Joey Lopes | Detective Instinct: Farewell, My Beloved OST (02:11:09) - Brendon's #8 (02:22:12) - Reflection Affection (feat. Pau Figueres) by Darren Korb | Hades II (02:22:44) - Stephen's #7 (02:27:11) - Traveling With Friends by Kōichi Sugiyama, performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra | Dragon Quest II OST (02:27:44) - Brendon's #7 (02:37:32) - Peach Stadium by Nintendo Music Team, Atsuko Asahi, Maasa Miyoshi, Takuhiro Honda, Yutaro Takakuwa | Mario Kart World OST (02:38:12) - Stephen's #6 (02:47:38) - Factorial Area by Masafumi Takada | Digimon Story: Time Stranger OST (02:48:08) - Brendon's #6 (03:00:55) - Glamorous by coda | Consume Me (Original Game Soundtrack) (03:01:24) - Erik's Game of the Year! (03:02:38) - LOTY (03:03

1 hr 58 min

Dec 17, 2025Episode 19

Throw Up and Explode! (feat. Persona 4 Golden, Angeline Era, and Octopath Traveler 0)

The return of bump-slash combat is here, but what we’re positing is: What if it’s time for throw up and explode combat?Disclaimer: We recorded this before the recent news about Larian’s use of generative AI for creative work. It’s very disappointing.Discussed: the Vita is here, Persona 4 Golden, the upcoming remake of P4, our experience getting into Persona, our S-Link arcana, Vita games we’re most excited for, a caveat from the future, the Divinity trailer, BG3, Divinity Original Sin 2, the pending fate of GTA 6, 2025 takeaways, Angeline Era, bump-slash renaissance, Octopath Traveler 0, Octopath as a series, the upcoming Elliott sweep, GOTY EveFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:24) - Vita means life! (07:10) - Persona 4 Golden | PSP stands for PerSona Playing (40:03) - What Vita game are you looking forward to? (44:58) - Break (45:00) - Quick Larian caveat (47:34) - Divinity | Vibe check (01:13:35) - Break (01:13:36) - C'mon Dutch! Bring me to that statue in the desert! (01:15:33) - Angeline Era | Brendon's been gaming (01:28:55) - Break (01:28:57) - Octopath Traveler 0 | A power-driven podcast (01:49:35) - GOTY eve! (01:54:00) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Vincent JPatrick KEd AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KG

2 hr 2 min

Dec 12, 2025Episode 18

Rorchad's Journal with Brandon Sheffield (feat. Demonschool and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond)

We're joined this week by Brandon Sheffield — creative director at Necrosoft Games and cohost of the fantastic Insert Credit podcast — for a conversation about making games, and making Demonschool specifically. Afterwards, we have a conversation about the highs and lows of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and making a version of Rorschach who is somehow even worse than the original.Discussed: Brandon Sheffield is here, the pitfalls of men’s fashion, the release of Demonschool, the beauty and importance of 7/10 games, the PS1 era, design informed by limitation, Jeanne d’Arc, how tactics games could be streamlined, News Tower, the specific era we’re in, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Myles Mackenzie, Metroid as a series, the Zune, Nintendo’s Disney EraVote in the GOTY poll, if you’d like! https://forms.gle/E6wRvbdBnw7KDNSy7 Brendon's Silksong videoFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:14) - Demonschool | Brandon Sheffield is here! (01:05:04) - Break (01:05:05) - Metroid Prime 4: Beyond | I will not make a Myles joke. I will not make a Myles joke. I will not make a Myles joke. I will not make a Myles joke. (01:57:34) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Ed AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDan

1 hr 29 min

Dec 3, 2025Episode 17

Cousin Game (feat. Detective Instinct, Sektori, and Dragon Quest II)

We're bringing a whole new meaning to the idea of "cousin games."Follow Jack Kentala and check out his debut novel Meet Me In The Gameroom at https://www.jackkentala.com!Discussed: Changing up the intro, the Discord GOTY poll, Detective Instinct: Farewell, My Beloved, the structure of visual novels and adventure games, Sektori, the overlap between roguelikes and the arcade, Spike-Likes, the Vita, Dragon Quest II, silent protagonists who want to talk, the appeal of the Erdrick Trilogy remakes, Brendon’s Persona 4 purgatory Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (01:07) - Check out the GOTY poll in the Discord! (02:06) - Detective Instinct: Farewell, My Beloved | Back to games (28:14) - Break (28:15) - Tiding from Aaron to Mel! (29:11) - Sektori | Brendon Sickley (54:05) - Break (55:13) - Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake | The only regular segment on the show (01:23:37) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Ed AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseRobert MMi

2 hr 12 min

Nov 26, 2025Episode 16

Steve-B presented by Bib Fortuna (feat. Kirby Air Riders, Dispatch, and Pokemon Lazarus)

Bib Fortuna takes the stage — calm, composed, he's been practicing for this moment — and takes a deep breath before revealing the next era of video game conferences. "We all know E3 has come and gone, but it's time for something truly new. I present: Steve-B."Check out Skull and Scones at https://skullandscones.com!Discussed: Steve B, Bib Fortuna and Ben Quadinaros, Kirby Air Riders, the genius of Sakurai’s design, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, the emotions evoked by older RPGs, the increasing popularity of Pokémon ROM hacks, Dispatch, a brief history of choice-driven games, Brendon and Stephen’s Siskel and Ebert momentFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (02:32) - Kirby Air Riders | All That Dragoon (35:11) - Break (35:12) - Tiding from Joseph to Ava! (36:29) - Heads or Tails? (36:36) - Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake | Heads (58:17) - Break (59:17) - Pokémon Lazarus | The ROM Hacks are ROM Back (01:23:07) - Break (01:23:09) - Dispatch | Oh, you know... (02:09:51) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Ed AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezac<br

1 hr 40 min

Nov 19, 2025Episode 15

Demons Cool (feat. Demonschool, Lumines Arise, and Octopath Traveler 0)

You kill time, I kill demons. We are not the same.Discussed: Memories from four weeks ago, Demon School, the influence of Persona and SMT, Lumines Arise, another A2 Scenario, Octopath Traveler 0 (Demo), the new era of retro RPGs, the best year for Pokémon ROM Hacks, what is happening with Metroid Prime 4, GOTY prepFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:29) - This intro will make sense in about a month (01:40) - Demonschool | It's not just "Indie Persona" (35:41) - Tiding from Ava to Joseph! (36:24) - Lumines Arise | Another A2 Scenario (51:17) - Break (51:19) - Octopath Traveler 0 Demo | It was always going to end this way (01:24:45) - Wrapping up (01:28:03) - Metroid Prime 4 news | Not wrapping up (01:37:31) - Giving up on wrapping up (01:39:00) - Winning up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Ed AJ-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseRobert MMichael WAndrewthis_JUSTINRyan O14.3 billion yearsBrendan KMegan BSecretAgentKoalaNoah OArcturusAndrew WhepaheC

2 hr 8 min

Nov 12, 2025Episode 14

For All Platforms (feat. Q-UP, Unfair Flips, Dragon Quest I + II, Silksong, and Hyrule Warriors)

Flip a coin and it lands on heads or tails. Release a Dragon Quest and it lands on every platform. Makes you think.Matt Horton's video essay and interview about coin flipping games on Flow StateQ-Up soundtrack on bandcampDiscussed: New stuff on Patreon, Stephen on Wavelengths, games about flipping coins, Q-Up, e-sports, Unfair Flips, recent history of Warriors spin-off games, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, the Zelda timeline, Zelda games starring Zelda, DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake — on all platforms, the value of remakes, Silksong, the appeal of an active protagonist Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:25) - Two things at the top (02:18) - We've been flipping coins (03:05) - Q-Up | We've been flipping coins (23:46) - Unfair Flips | We've been flipping coins (26:40) - ENDING SPOILERS!!! Unfair Flips | We've been flipping coins (27:32) - Unfair Flips | We've been flipping coins (35:50) - Break (35:52) - Tiding from Josh to Andrew! (37:20) - Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment | [Insert clickbait Zelda Timeline title] (01:02:57) - Break (01:02:58) - DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake | Some updates! (01:41:00) - Hollow Knight: Silksong | Some updates! (01:58:16) - Wrapping up (Silksong and GOTY) (02:07:28) - Wrapping up (for real) ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:J-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn

1 hr 31 min

Nov 5, 2025Episode 13

Greetings from Foul Rift, New Jersey (feat. Dragon Quest I + II, Pokémon ROMhacks, and Tales of Xillia)

I was heading towards Quelaag's Domain but had to pass through Foul Rift to get there... and I gotta say, I think this is the kind of place I could very easily call "home."Matt Horton's video essay and interview about coin flipping games on Flow StateDiscussed: A new November segment, Foul Rift, clowns, Powerline, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Pokémon Hearth, Pokémon Heart & Soul, Pokémon Yume, Pokémon Odyssey, Pokémon, Tales of Xillia Remastered, and games we’re excited for!Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:36) - Enjoying Fall (03:20) - New Jersey update (04:41) - Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake | Some are calling it "The Goofy Movie of RPGs" (24:24) - Tidings from Guangzhou Clubbers to Colin! (26:10) - Four video games (26:48) - Pokémon Hearth | Four video games (33:18) - Pokémon Heart and Soul | Four video games (35:30) - Pokémon Yume | Four video games (38:56) - Pokémon Odyssey | Four video games (59:10) - The Ayn Thor | Not a promise (01:03:42) - Break (01:03:43) - Tales of Xillia Remastered | One last game (01:29:33) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:J-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth M<

1 hr 2 min

Oct 29, 2025Episode 12

100% (feat. Kiss/OFF, Voices of the Void, The Seance of Blake Manor, and Danganronpa)

I'm toiling away today, bagging trash and wiping down the windows while I process these signals. This morning I woke up and the first pass was done, but I'll need to let the system do its thing two more times before I can package the data up and ship it off. I think it's at 78% or something at this point, but it won't be done until dinner time at the earliest and by that point I'll need to decide between eating a bag of chips again or trying my luck on the shrimp that was in the fridge when I got here. Just gotta get into a routine, man. Just gotta hit 100%.Discussed: Halloween names, rolling dice, Kiss/Off, Voices of the Void, The Séance of Blake Manor, good examples of detective games, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, Happy Halloween!Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (02:24) - Kiss/Off | Screamin' 3vies wild ride (12:52) - Another roll (13:33) - Voices of the Void | Boorendon Twogley (31:18) - Break (31:20) - Star Wars and Twilight (31:53) - The Séance of Blake Manor | A 50/50 chance (42:25) - Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc | A secret bridge game (01:00:33) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:J-RockSamantha DNorth HeroSam HSnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake L<br

2 hr 33 min

Oct 22, 2025Episode 11

Portable Monsters (feat. Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Despelote, We Know the Devil, and Ball x Pit)

Alright everyone, sing along! Portamon, portable monsters,Portamon can come with you!Portamon, portable monsters,Portamon on the go!Discussed: Broadway musicals, Trails in the Sky Patreon bonus, our Patreon goals and the Vita episode, Pokémon and its divisive Switch era, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, We Know the Devil, Despelote, Ball X Pit, the ideal pacing of Roguelikes, a brief Hades II updateFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - A normal intro (04:31) - Listen to the Trails bonus over on Patreon! (07:10) - Update on the PS Vita bonus goal (09:08) - General housekeeping (11:41) - Pokémon Legends: Z-A | Portable Monsters (01:17:24) - Break (01:17:26) - Fear the Aether (01:20:55) - We Know the Devil | We Like The Video Game (01:32:48) - Break (01:32:49) - Despelote | A game about a ball (01:54:46) - Break (01:54:49) - Ball x Pit | Another game about a ball (02:28:59) - Wrapping up (like a mummy) ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Sam HNorth HeroSamantha DSnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseRobert MMichael WAndrew<

1 hr 26 min

Oct 15, 2025Episode 10

Gretchen (feat. Consume Me, Scarlet Hollow, LEGO Party, and Sonic Racing)

Gretchen looks at you with knowing eyes, and you can sense something within her literally dogged frame is desperate to say more than the small, breathy "woof" that escapes her mouth. You tell Stella that her dog speaks with a refined cadence. You'll be gone in a week anyway, why not shake the town up a bit and make them believe you can talk to animals before you go? Discussed: The worst bit of all time, GOTY prep, Consume Me, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Stephen’s Backloggd activity, LEGO Party, gauging Mario Party as a series, the potential future for a variety of series, Scarlet Hollow, choice-driven narratives, games on the horizon, Suezo on the ranchMatt and Lex's Consume Me video essayFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:28) - Brendon commits a crime against humanity (01:57) - Consume Me | Please God, free us from the space billionaires (11:33) - First Chapter Spoilers!!! | Consume Me (12:13) - Consume Me (25:22) - A break, mercifully (25:25) - Watch the Flow State video on Consume Me! (26:02) - Sonic Racing Crossworlds | A conceptual segment (28:58) - Lego Party | A conceptual segment (54:01) - Break (54:02) - Scream to the AHHH!!ther (55:01) - Scarlet Hollow | Fear the Aether (01:21:59) - Some game updates (01:25:26) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Sam HNorth HeroSamantha DSnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2

4 hr 23 min

Oct 10, 2025

Yakuza 0 (with Erik Morrison) | Bonus

We're joined by Erik Morrison to finally talk at length about one of the many on-ramps into Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's huge Like a Dragon franchise: Yakuza 0. Thank you to Erik for the doodles which became the basis of the episode art.Find more of their work here: https://erikmorrison.com/Check out RiaDoodles' excellent Yakuza fanart!"Like a Gacha""Animal Crossing Tomizawa""Aliens"Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Yakuza 0 (Opening Theme) - by Hidenori Shoji, Yakuza 0 OST (00:50) - The Big Game of bonuses (02:03) - This segment will be spoiler-free! (02:13) - Histories with the series (21:34) - Framing the series for newbies (42:54) - Thoughts about Yakuza 0 (59:38) - How much of Kiryu's games to play before Infinite Wealth (01:05:48) - Trouble Shooting Star - Hidenori Shoji, Yakuza 0 OST (01:06:16) - The second Big Game? (01:06:43) - FULL SPOILERS FOR YAKUZA 0 (01:07:06) - Context for the setting and the plot (01:17:19) - Kuze and Kiryu (01:21:00) - Director's Cut scene #1 (01:23:05) - The series' habit of redeeming villains (01:26:39) - Director's Cut scene #2 (01:28:27) - Director's Cut scene #3 (01:30:41) - Kiryu and Nishiki (01:32:28) - Tachibana Real Estate (01:45:58) - Goro Majima (01:54:36) - Sagawa (01:56:38) - Sotenbori and the care for the people and places of Japan (02:05:20) - The food (02:08:15) - Back to Sagawa and Makoto Makimura (02:20:17) - Approaching the finale (02:30:35) - Director's Cut scene #4 (02:32:10) - Saving Makoto (02:37:29) - In Dojima HQ (02:49:14) - Kiryu's ending (02:50:53) - The ending of the video game (03:06:27) - Yaoi: A Presentation by Erik Morrison (03:19:56) - Taking a break (03:27:06) - Actually taking a break (03:27:10) - Try to have some fun for me!! - Hidenori Shoji, Yakuza 0 OST (03:27:43) - Listener questions! (03:27:54) - Lightning round! | From biscuitrogue (03:28:

2 hr 14 min

Oct 8, 2025Episode 9

The A2 Effect (feat. Hades II, Silent Hill f, Digimon Story: Time Stranger, and more!)

What do you call it when a sequel to a beloved game improves on almost everything? What do you call it when that's not enough?Discussed: Brendon’s return, our experience with Digimon, the email song, dreaming of Scarlet Nexus 2, Digimon Story: Time Stranger, the name of the halloween segment, Strange Antiquities, the current state of mouse mode, Unfair Flips, probability in games, Silent Hill f, Hades II, the A2 effectThank you Kevin Grant for sponsoring this episode. Play Celtreos! https://www.kevingrant.name/apps/celtreos/ita/ Stephen's Chrono Cross VideoGMTK's video about probability in gamesThank you Kevin Grant for sponsoring this episode. Play Celtreos! https://www.kevingrant.name/apps/celtreos/ita/ Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:24) - Into the Improv (01:21) - Shoutout to Chase and Matt! (01:50) - Lil Hades II aperitif (03:31) - Yakuza 0 Bonus incoming! (04:31) - Digimon Story Time Stranger | Let's talk about video games (15:29) - The E-mail Song (15:52) - Digimon Story Time Stranger | The Nexus-verse (52:23) - Break (53:30) - Fear the Aether (56:07) - Strange Antiquities | Brendon Boogley's SpectACK!ular (01:04:00) - Unfair Flips | The horrors of real life odds (01:10:30) - CloverPit | The NL game hour (01:12:42) - Silent Hill f | Almost as scary as Minesweeper (01:32:44) - Break (01:32:46) - Hades II | Into the Downstairs (01:40:06) - EARLY HADES II SPOILERS (01:40:30) - Hades II | Is it too much video game? (No) (01:46:32) - SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS (01:59:04) - Hades II | A properly seasoned video game (02:04:10) - Mechanic spoilers! | Hades II | Favorite weapons, boons, etc (02:14:00) - Wrapping up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:Sam HNorth HeroSamantha DSnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye

2 hr 41 min

Oct 1, 2025Episode 8

Parasite Steve (feat. Hades II, Ender Magnolia, and Parasite Eve)

When Minecraft Steve threatens the survival of the human race, New York City native Aya Brea must rise up to put a stop to his crafty ways.Discussed: October’s arrival, Spooky Season’s new name, Hades II, what makes Supergiant special, the history of indie games, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, Uncle Poseidon’s Wild Ride, the appeal of the video game ensemble, the appeal of the video game sequel, Parasite Eve, renting horror games as a kid, dad games and games with dads, PS1 horror, and the future of Parasite EveThis episode was edited by Michael Gaspari. Thank you, Michael!https://www.michaelgasparimusic.com/Chase’s Podcasts and Showshttps://www.podtimism.com/https://dotzip.online/Matt’s Podcasts and Showshttps://www.youtube.com/@flowstatecrit/videoshttps://insequence.pictures/https://cantletitgo.gay/“The Imperfect Words of Parasite Eve” by Niko Stratis https://aftermath.site/parasite-eve Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Welcome to the Aether (02:26) - A brief history of Supergiant (16:51) - Hades II is out! (31:56) - Hades II Continues - Light early game spoilers here (01:29:37) - Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (01:51:58) - Parasite Eve and the Dawn of Parasite Steve (02:37:25) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan

1 hr 47 min

Sep 24, 2025Episode 7

Sniffly (feat. Silksong, Easy Delivery Co, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, and more!)

Huddle up for warmth, grab a handkerchief, and turn off your computer terminal. Maybe just take this ride easy, you're not getting paid more to rush."This RPG series does everything wrong, and it's working" by Joshua RiveraDiscussed: Brendon is sniffly, Yakuza 0 bonus, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition, Easy Delivery Co, Mycopunk, SilksongFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Podcast Time (08:15) - Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter (46:01) - Puzzle Quest Immortal Edition (56:52) - Easy Delivery Co (01:02:56) - Mycopunk (01:13:22) - Silksong ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseRobert MMichael WAndrewthis_JUST

1 hr 32 min

Sep 17, 2025Episode 6

Taking Out the Buzz (feat. Peak, Story of Seasons, Silksong, and more)

Does anyone else hear that low buzzing sound when the residents of Mineral Town talk? Or are my ears still ringing from my last encounter with Mayor Felix? Time will tell, I suppose.Discussed: We’re both sick, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, what makes communities in games feel alive, games about being a shopkeeper, Neopets, Mayor Felix, PEAK, Friendslop, the secret microphone within the Steam Deck, the word “marvel”, Silksong, intrinsic motivation, Hades II on the horizon, a new Fire Emblem, Nine Sols, parrying and stealth missions, Bake Off sketches, and lunchtimeFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (01:35) - Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar | Enough talk about SNOT (24:43) - Break (24:45) - Dayquil and water (26:23) - PEAK | This game is real (43:32) - Break (43:34) - Silksong | Fueled by a big cuppa boba tea (01:12:37) - Nine Sols | Stop this lunacy (playing soulslikes)! (01:31:10) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:SnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmma<

44 min

Sep 12, 2025

leafage.mp3

okay but you HAD to have known this one was coming(thanks to anonyman in the discord for the screenshot) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

1 hr 55 min

Sep 10, 2025Episode 5

A Podcast Episode About Hollow Knight: Silksong

Silksong is out! So, what do we wish for now?Discussed: Hollow Knight: SilksongFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Poshanka! (00:23) - Hollow Knight: Silksong | It happened (48:55) - Tiding from Andriana to Alan! (49:40) - Hollow Knight: Silksong | Doing a little discourse (01:24:02) - Silksong questions! (01:24:05) - Tools vs Charms | From Creightar (01:27:47) - Favorite change? | From Taras (01:35:00) - Shared areas? | From Sweet Melon (01:36:33) - How many spiders? | From Lex (01:39:19) - Advice for getting into difficult games? | From Brendon (01:47:11) - Other games in this world? | From Lukerfuffle (01:50:47) - The game is awesome (01:52:40) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons including our Eternal Gratitude members:SnzznBertitoJ-RockGregory Mark SCmndr BiscuiticemanChristian HRydan BCaleb HArden FEye of the DuckKaleNathan EJ. H. AjoelchronoMellowMatthew BRobin LPSeekingSeakingJimmerszoey!Vinny MMattKerry KBrian MNoah DZach DChristopher TDHugo WToddChris BLukerfuffleStephen YDaniel GEric FTaran WBrendan OChris ZClayton MZach RGriffinDylan NFederico VTigerz RevengeLogan HAlan RJohn AMike LmattjanzzDavid MHeavyPixelsKaleb HTyler JCorey ZSusan HBarry TRobert RChris JBrett Allen HDan SJack SGarrett CjimiiboJohn HDirch FJim EJim WTristan LEvan BAwfulHanzomin2Aaron GJean HTodd Nred_wagonNeilPeter BJohn VvErik MRedmage77Joshua JTony LDanny KGibson GKate Duncan BRichard MDaniel NSeth MJamesAndy HDemoEmmaLyn ECorey TCaleb WJake LJesse WMike TCodesMatt BWesleymebezacAlex LSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMoose</p

1 hr 27 min

Sep 3, 2025Episode 4

That's Gilded (feat. Kirby, Story of Seasons, and more!)

Now THIS is what I call GILDED!Discussed: The calm before the storm, Silksong, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots, Mario Golf and Sports RPGs, replaying games as different characters, game adaptions, Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World, when it’s fun to be a completionist, family, The Gilded Age, New Moon in theaters, Road Trip to the End of the World (it’s out now!), A Dream About Parking Lots, Time Flies, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, Antiques Roadshow Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (01:34) - Hey check out the Patreon ;) (02:46) - Upcoming releases and a reappraisal | The calm before the storm (20:54) - Tiding from Bugg E Fresh and Camillionaire to Dylan! (21:40) - Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World | Welcome to the show (36:55) - Donkey Kong Bananza | Paralyzed by collectibles (41:13) - The Gilded Age | Shore Leave mini-sode (44:15) - Twilight | Yes, Twilight (47:27) - Break (47:28) - Roadtrip to the End of the World | Brendon played too! (48:56) - A Dream About Parking Lots | You paved paradise... (56:49) - Time Flies | A fly-life length segment (59:28) - Break (59:29) - Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar | Who owns this again? (01:12:22) - Is that it??? No, there's more about the Gilded Age (01:17:05) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons including our Eternal Gratitude members:Zachary DIanfaceMcGeeMatt HClayton MChris Yw0nderbradShawn LCody RZach RFederico VLogan HAlan RSlinkmattjanzz DeaconGrokCorey ZDirectional JoySusan HOlivia KDan SIsaac SWill CJim WEvan BDavid Hmin2Aaron GVErik MBrady HJoshua JTony LDanny KSeth MAdam BJustin KAndy HDemoParker EMaxwell LSpiritofthunderJason WJason TCorey TMinnow Eats WhaleCaleb WfingerbellyJesse WMike TCodesWesleyErik BmebezacSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseAndrewJustin MPeterStellar.BeesBrendan KScott RwreckxNoah OMichael GArcturusChris RhepaheCory FChase ALoveDiesNick QWes KChris MRBMichaela WAdam FScott HA

1 hr 19 min

Aug 30, 2025

The Port Aether Shore Leave Society | August 2025

Hello and welcome to the very first edition of The Port Aether Shore Leave Society, a new monthly show where we'll be talking about anything — video game or otherwise! We wanted to give everyone an idea of what Shore Leave will be like going forward, but all future episodes will be available each month for patrons at the $5 tier and above: https://www.patreon.com/intothecastHope you enjoy it!Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.online---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons including our Eternal Gratitude members:Zachary DIanfaceMcGeeMatt HClayton MChris Yw0nderbradShawn LCody RZach RFederico VLogan HAlan RSlinkmattjanzz DeaconGrokCorey ZDirectional JoySusan HOlivia KDan SIsaac SWill CJim WEvan BDavid Hmin2Aaron GVErik MBrady HJoshua JTony LDanny KSeth MAdam BJustin KAndy HDemoParker EMaxwell LSpiritofthunderJason WJason TCorey TMinnow Eats WhaleCaleb WfingerbellyJesse WMike TCodesWesleyErik BmebezacSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseAndrewJustin MPeterStellar.BeesBrendan KScott RwreckxNoah OMichael GArcturusChris RhepaheCory FChase ALoveDiesNick QWes KChris MRBMichaela WAdam FScott HAlexander SPTherese KjgprintersJessica BMurrayDavid PJason KBede RKamrin HKyle SPhilip ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

2 hr 1 min

Aug 27, 2025Episode 3

From Batter to Brickman (feat. VOID/BREAKER, Road Trip to the End of the World, and more!)

The Batter may be mean and the Brickman may be scary. But Silksong is coming out. And video games...are still good."Why Silksong Took Seven Years to Make" by Jason SchreierMemoria's great video about day-old steam games"Hollow Knight Is One Of The Best Games You'll Play This Year" by Joshua Rivera"As the Trails series' ending is in sight, Nihon Falcom prepares to tackle the impossible" by James GalizioDunkey's UFO 50 experienceDiscussed: Reading under trees, Silksong announced, the issue of game discoverability, Trails in the Sky FC Demo, what makes Trails and its development special, breaking news regarding Demonschool, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, VOID/BREAKER, Raccoin, Kill the Brickman, Off, the 2000’s era of indie games, Road Trip to the End of the World, and SpawnCheck out KP Kilbride's science fiction mystery novel with an LGBTQ+ romance subplot, Spaceships Passing in the Night at https://www.kpkilbrideauthor.com/booksFollow them on Threads and Instagram at https://www.threads.com/@kpkilbrideauthor and https://www.instagram.com/kpkilbrideauthor/Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (03:28) - Hollow Knight: Silksong | Extremely surreal to be typing this chapter (36:49) - Break (37:32) - Demonschool | BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!! (40:03) - Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound | A game from 2025? (53:38) - Break (53:40) - Tidings from Lizzy to Joe! (54:22) - Tidings from Ian to Will! (55:13) - THREE roguelikes (55:20) - VOID/BREAKER | Haha yeah baby yeah hell yeah (01:16:38) - Raccoin | Coin pushing roguelike (01:22:17) - Kill the Brickman | Poncle shadowdrop (01:29:03) - Break (01:29:05) - OFF Remake | How's it goin? (01:49:28) - Break (01:49:31) - Roadtrip to the End

1 hr 55 min

Aug 20, 2025Episode 2

Dream Green (feat. Metal Gear Solid, Is This Seat Taken, Sky the Scraper, and more!)

We're back! And we somehow have too many games to fit into one episode.Discussed: The PSP Premiere, Patreon Updates, Metal Gear Solid, The Adventures of Elliot, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Is This Seat Taken?, Öoo, Tiny Bookshop, Sky the Scraper, and games we're playing for next weekRobin's review of Öoo: https://www.inverse.com/gaming/ooo-steam-indie-puzzle-gameFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:22) - Thank you so much for listening to the premiere! (03:17) - Changes to the Patreon! (08:12) - Metal Gear Solid | Hmm... Weird... (27:24) - Break (27:26) - That's a LOTTA games! (28:07) - The Adventures of Elliot | Link doesn't wear red THIS ISN'T LINK!!!!! (58:31) - Break (58:33) - BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster | We're so back in 2014 (01:24:14) - Break (01:24:16) - How, Dee? (01:24:54) - Is This Seat Taken? | Three indie games (01:28:00) - Öoo | A game we played six months before six months from now (01:33:43) - Tiny Bookshop | Books but small?? (01:45:04) - Sky the Scraper | No Clip, Windex% (01:50:22) - Some teasers for next week! (01:53:37) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons including our Eternal Gratitude members:Zachary DIanfaceMcGeeMatt HClayton MChris Yw0nderbradShawn LCody RZach RFederico VLogan HAlan RSlinkmattjanzz DeaconGrokCorey ZDirectional JoySusan HOlivia KDan SIsaac SWill CJim WEvan BDavid Hmin2Aaron GVErik MBrady HJoshua JTony LDanny KSeth MAdam BJustin KAndy HDemoParker EMaxwell LSpiritofthunderJason WJason TCorey TMinnow Eats WhaleCaleb WfingerbellyJesse WMike TCodesWesleyErik BmebezacSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseAndrewJustin MPeterStellar.BeesBrendan KScott RwreckxNoah OMichael GArcturusChris RhepaheCory FChase ALoveDiesNick QWes KChris MRBMichaela WAdam FScott HAlexander SPTherese KjgprintersJessica BMurrayDavid PJason K

6 hr 38 min

Aug 13, 2025Episode 1

Into the Aether VIII: The Sony PlayStation Portable

Welcome to the eighth season of Into the Aether! For this season premiere, we will be discussing our favorite games for the Sony PlayStation Portable. The PSP was a very special console and is still a joy to play. Some might say it's the "Walkman of the 21st Century." As always, thank you all so much for listening to and supporting the show. Whether this is your first time joining us or you've been here since 2018, we're so happy you decided to give us a listen. Here's to friendship, summer, portability, and the rest of season eight!Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:58) - Imagine if you could take a console with you (02:42) - Welcome to the Aether! (07:10) - Changes to the Patreon (GOOD!) (17:57) - Basic recap (18:56) - New merch! (21:46) - How we prepared for the episode (57:53) - Taking the podcast out of sleep mode (59:10) - The symbol criteria (01:00:59) - 2005 (01:01:17) - Lumines (01:08:04) - Burnout Legends (01:16:03) - Tony Hawk's Underground 2: Remix (01:21:59) - Me & My Katamari (01:28:05) - Meadowtron by Hideki Tobeta | Me & My Katamari OST (01:28:39) - PSP's proof of concept (01:30:45) - Star Wars Battlefront II (01:37:26) - Wipeout Pure (01:43:44) - SHININ' by Mondo Gross | Lumines OST (01:44:21) - 2006 (01:44:52) - Megaman Powered Up (01:52:03) - Daxter (01:59:22) - Ridge Racer 2 (02:14:21) - Tsui Tsui by Yu Miyake | Ridge Racer 2 OST (02:14:57) - Gitaroo Man Lives! (02:23:35) - Soft Machine by COIL | Gitaroo Man Lives! OST (02:24:04) - Tales of Eternia (02:31:25) - Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection (02:37:33) - Pulse Phaze by Yu Miyake | Ridge Racer 2 OST (02:37:58) - 2007 (02:38:20) - Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (02:49:21) - Map by Steve Fawkner | Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords OST (02:49:51) - Jeanne d'Arc (03:04:31) - Synthesis Frog by Takeshi Inoue | Jeanne d'Arc OST (03:05:03) - AJ wants to know about the frog (03:06:27) - Main Theme by Takeshi Inoue | Jeanne d'Arc OST (03:06:59) - 2008 (03:07:02) - Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 (03:12:02) - Main Menu by Gon Ohtsuji |

1 hr 33 min

Jul 30, 2025Episode 49

Text or Pins? (feat. Cobalt Core, He is Coming, and more!)

When will they make a two-sided SD card that always lands text?Discussed: PSPrequel on Patreon, upcoming flights to Jersey, flipping an SD card, Cobalt Core, StarVaders, FTL, He is Coming, Loop Hero, whether or not roguelikes need to be infinite, Void Stranger, Stephen finishing The Hundred Line, games with multiple endings, Sacred Stones, the best introductions to Fire Emblem, A Link to the Past, New Leaf, the potential of a new Animal Crossing, all kinds of Za, Patapon on Switch, The Forgotten City, 1000xResist, the “last time on” mechanic, Jersey diners & New York pizza Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 7 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:19) - Check out the PSPrequel on Patreon! (06:05) - There are other video games believe it or not (07:27) - Cobalt Core | The Text of video games (22:02) - He is Coming | The Pins of video games (37:15) - Star Vaders, Blue Prince, Void Stranger, Hundred Line | When a game is finished (47:53) - Break (47:55) - Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones | BREAKING: Water is wet (55:35) - A Link to the Past | Stephen answers for his bad takes (01:03:53) - Animal Crossing: New Leaf | Brendon Breezely (01:25:05) - Patapon 1+2 | Brendon Bailley (01:25:38) - The Forgotten City | Brendon Bailley (01:29:30) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons including our Eternal Gratitude members:Zachary DIanfaceMcGeeMatt HClayton MChris Yw0nderbradShawn LCody RZach RFederico VLogan HAlan RSlinkmattjanzz DeaconGrokCorey ZDirectional JoySusan HOlivia KDan SIsaac SWill CJim WEvan BDavid Hmin2Aaron GVErik MBrady HJoshua JTony LDanny KSeth MAdam BJustin KAndy HDemoParker EMaxwell LSpiritofthunderJason WJason TCorey TMinnow Eats WhaleCaleb WfingerbellyJesse WMike TCodesWesleyErik BmebezacSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseAndrewJustin MPeterStellar.BeesBrendan KScott RwreckxNoah OMichael GArcturusChris RhepaheCory FChase ALov

1 hr 29 min

Jul 23, 2025Episode 48

BB's Romhack Shack (feat. Donkey Kong Bananza, Word Play, Nurikabe World, and Animal Crossing City Folk Deluxe)

I guess it’s kind of like a Bananza?Discussed: Upcoming episode for Patrons, TWG on Bluesky, Donkey Kong Bananza, early 3D Nintendo games, Donkey Kong as a series, the history of Nintendo console launch windows, the appeal of Zelda speed runs, Word Play, Boss Keys (GMTK), Developing (GMTK), the journey of any creative project, the dream of portrait mode, Nurikabe World, Brendon’s ROM Hack corner, Animal Crossing: City Folk Deluxe, why Animal Crossing works best handheld, and BeardoFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 7 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (01:10) - Some announcements! (08:18) - Donkey Kong: Bananza | Punching our way into the episode (50:15) - Break (50:17) - Wordplay | Puzzle time (01:00:53) - Nurikabe World | An actual minesweeper segment (01:06:15) - Break (01:06:17) - Brendon's ROM Hack Shaq (01:08:15) - Animal Crossing: City Folk Deluxe | Brendon's ROM Hack Shaq (01:28:27) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons including our Eternal Gratitude members:Zachary DIanfaceMcGeeMatt HClayton MChris Yw0nderbradShawn LCody RZach RFederico VLogan HAlan RSlinkmattjanzz DeaconGrokCorey ZDirectional JoySusan HOlivia KDan SIsaac SWill CJim WEvan BDavid Hmin2Aaron GVErik MBrady HJoshua JTony LDanny KSeth MAdam BJustin KAndy HDemoParker EMaxwell LSpiritofthunderJason WJason TCorey TMinnow Eats WhaleCaleb WfingerbellyJesse WMike TCodesWesleyErik BmebezacSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseAndrewJustin MPeterStellar.BeesBrendan KScott RwreckxNoah OMichael GArcturusChris RhepaheCory FChase ALoveDiesNick QWes KChris MRBMichaela WAdam FScott HAlexander SPTherese KjgprintersJessica BMurrayDavid PJason KBede RKamrin HKyle SPhilip <a href="https://patreon.com/intothecast" rel="pa

1 hr 22 min

Jul 16, 2025Episode 47

Do You Like Video Tapes? (feat. Death Stranding 2, Zelda: Oracle of Seasons, Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones and more)

I heard you like video tapes. You might not like this movie, but you’re gonna LOVE these games. Mmm, mmm.Discussed: The weird animorph phase, a little bit more of Death Stranding 2, Stephen’s fear of dolls, Press Start joins TWG, Blitzball, Mario Golf: Super Rush, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Ages, the beauty of the 8-bit aesthetic, Baseball (’89), The Sword of Hope, Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, how Fire Emblem stands out in its genre, the customization in Final Fantasy Tactics & Tactics Ogre, the approachability of Jeanne d’Arc, Edelgard’s quest to high five, CTGP Nitro, the “za” of Mario Kart DS, our love of retro racing games, Toad’s BBQFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 7 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (01:24) - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach | All aboard the SS Mad Max (02:07) - The Mm-Mm Doll | An Electric Nightmare (08:50) - Welcome PressSTART to TWG!!! (11:04) - Mario Golf: Super Rush | A quick putt to this game (12:49) - MINOR SPOILERS Death Stranding 2: On the Beach | Remember video games? (20:28) - How do we move on? (20:42) - The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons | Spinnin' the classics (39:45) - Break (39:47) - Baseball for the Gameboy | Daniel Simulator (40:58) - The Sword of Hope | Way better than Baseball (42:11) - Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones | Divine Pulse back to the GBA (01:02:03) - Break (01:02:05) - CTGP Mario Kart Nitro | A small drift (01:17:52) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons including our Eternal Gratitude members:Zachary DIanfaceMcGeeMatt HClayton MChris Yw0nderbradShawn LCody RZach RFederico VLogan HAlan RSlinkmattjanzz DeaconGrokCorey ZDirectional JoySusan HOlivia KDan SIsaac SWill CJim WEvan BDavid Hmin2Aaron GVErik MBrady HJoshua JTony LDanny KSeth MAdam BJustin KAndy HDemoParker EMaxwell LSpiritofthunderJason WJason TCorey TMinnow Eats WhaleCaleb WfingerbellyJesse WMike TCodesWesleyErik BmebezacSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseAndrewJustin MPeterStellar.BeesBrendan KScott RwreckxNoah OMichael GArcturusChri

2 hr 2 min

Jul 9, 2025Episode 46

Video Game Fever Dream (feat. Death Stranding 2, Deltarune, Persona 5: The Phantom X, Bacon - The Game, Pokémon Odyssey)

I made it through Dom's dream and all I got were these podcast show notes.Discussed: Indie the Aether, Dom Nero: Prophet, Death Stranding 2, I Believe in Pizza (w/ Chris Plante), Deltarune Chapter 3+4, Persona 5: The Phantom X, the plight of mobile gacha games, Bacon - The Game, Nintendo Wiid, Super Mariomon, Pokémon Odyssey, Elden Ring: Nightreign Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast---Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.onlineProduced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social---Season 7 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/---Timecodes:(00:00) - Intro (00:56) - Indie the Aether (02:28) - Dom Nero: Prophet (04:55) - Death Stranding 2 | AJ is the little puppet guy on the belt of the podcast (49:16) - Deltarune Chapter 3+4 | Brendon's in the dust (01:17:08) - Welcome back (01:17:31) - Persona 5: The Phantom X | Three mobile games (01:19:17) - SPOILERS FOR THE OPENING OF THE GAME (01:36:32) - Bacon - The Game | The other side of the mobile coin (01:38:22) - Pokemon Odyssey | One last game (01:57:40) - Wrapping up ---Thanks to all of our amazing patrons including our Eternal Gratitude members:Zachary DIanfaceMcGeeMatt HClayton MChris Yw0nderbradShawn LCody RZach RFederico VLogan HAlan RSlinkmattjanzz DeaconGrokCorey ZDirectional JoySusan HOlivia KDan SIsaac SWill CJim WEvan BDavid Hmin2Aaron GVErik MBrady HJoshua JTony LDanny KSeth MAdam BJustin KAndy HDemoParker EMaxwell LSpiritofthunderJason WJason TCorey TMinnow Eats WhaleCaleb WfingerbellyJesse WMike TCodesWesleyErik BmebezacSergio LninjadeathdogRory BA42PoundMooseAndrewJustin MPeterStellar.BeesBrendan KScott RwreckxNoah OMichael GArcturusChris RhepaheCory FChase ALoveDiesNick QWes KChris MRBMichaela WAdam FScott HAlexander SPTherese KjgprintersJessica BMurrayDavid PJason KBede RKamrin HKyle SPhilip ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★