Into the Aether - A Low Key Video Game Podcast
The 2024 Game of the Year Spectacular
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the diverse gaming experiences of 2024, showcasing action RPGs with deep lore and customizable gameplay mechanics.
- Listeners are introduced to unique titles blending genres, like a poker-inspired roguelike that demands strategy and critical thinking from players.
- Emphasizing emotional storytelling, the discussion touches upon games that explore themes of identity and personal connection amidst creatively designed worlds.
Deep dives
Dragon's Dogma 2
This action RPG continues to captivate players with its immersive world and intricate gameplay mechanics. The story follows a customizable protagonist who embarks on a quest filled with mythical creatures and deep lore. Players can form a party of pawns, AI-controlled companions with customizable skills and abilities, allowing for varied combat strategies. The game balances intense battles and exploration, providing a thrilling experience for fans of the genre.
Gun Show
A unique roguelike that combines elements of poker with strategic combat, challenging players to make clever decisions while building their decks. Set in a quirky world inhabited by colorful characters, the game requires players to think critically about their moves and how to counter enemy attacks. Players can customize their hands and use various jokers to gain special abilities and enhance their gameplay experience. The game's addictive nature and engaging mechanics make it a favorite for quick sessions or longer play.
Astro Bot
This charming platformer showcases the power of the PlayStation 5 by utilizing its unique features and controls, offering players a delightful navigation experience in a vibrant world. As players take on the role of Astro, they navigate through creatively designed levels filled with inventive mechanics that highlight the console's capabilities. The game excels at delivering joy, nostalgia, and a sense of wonder as players engage with both familiar and new platforming experiences. Its clever level design and visual polish make Astro Bot a standout title for players of all ages.
Metaphor: Re Fantasio
As a fantasy RPG, this title captivates players with its imaginative world and deep storytelling, exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the quest for self-discovery. Players step into the shoes of a protagonist navigating a beautifully crafted environment filled with diverse characters and rich lore. The game's turn-based combat system remains engaging, allowing for strategic battles and character customization that encourages various playstyles. With its stunning visuals and an emotionally gripping narrative, Metaphor offers a memorable experience that stays with players long after they've finished.
A Thousand Times Resist
This evocative narrative adventure takes players on a journey through themes of identity, memory, and the impact of history on individual lives. Set against a backdrop of socio-political unrest, players must navigate personal and collective struggles, invoking powerful emotions throughout the experience. The game's engrossing storytelling is complemented by evocative visuals that enhance the emotional weight of its themes, making it a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. Players are encouraged to reflect on their own memories and relationships as they delve into the complexities of the characters' lives.
UFO 50
This unique collection of 50 retro-inspired mini-games pays homage to the golden era of gaming while incorporating modern design philosophies. Developed by a team of talented creators, each game showcases distinct gameplay mechanics and charming aesthetics, appealing to a wide range of players. The experience encourages exploration and experimentation, allowing players to discover hidden gems and unique challenges across various genres. With its nostalgic vibes and creative twists, UFO 50 represents the spirit of fun that binds the gaming community.
Gather round, gather round — it's that wonderful time of year once again. Stephen, Brendon, and AJ gather around a (virtual) fireplace to discuss the very best of video gaming in 2024 in their eyes, in the eyes of the Discord community, and in the eyes of our special guests. And they also eat some lunch...which is more notable than you think it is.
Discussed: The Best* video games of 2024
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Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.online
Buy some NEW merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.online
Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast
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Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/
Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.online
Produced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social
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Season 7 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/
Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/
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***🚨SONG CREDITS ARE BELOW CHAPTERS. FULL SPOILERS FOR THE LIST!!!🚨***
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Timecodes:
- (00:00) - Welcome to the Into the Aether Game of the Year 2024 Spectacular!
- (04:26) - How this works
- (06:35) - Stephen's GOTOYS
- (18:10) - Brendon's GOTOYS
- (33:55) - AJ's GOTOYS
- (44:06) - Kyle Starr's GOTOY
- (45:30) - AJ's surprise
- (01:05:44) - It's time to start the list!
- (01:06:13) - Stephen's #10
- (01:14:24) - Brendon's #10
- (01:21:34) - AJ's #10
- (01:29:48) - KyleLab's GOTY
- (01:31:58) - Stephen's #9
- (01:46:12) - Brendon's #9
- (01:55:59) - AJ's #9
- (02:00:10) - Stephen's #8
- (02:09:47) - Matt's GOTY
- (02:10:54) - Brendon's #8
- (02:17:24) - AJ's #8
- (02:26:57) - Stephen's #7
- (02:31:50) - Brendon's #7
- (02:39:33) - NBZ's GOTY
- (02:41:38) - AJ's #7
- (02:49:51) - Stephen's #6
- (02:56:01) - Brendon's #6
- (03:04:47) - Chase's GOTY
- (03:06:28) - AJ's #6
- (03:14:46) - That's 10 thru 6!
- (03:15:15) - Put a fork in me, I'm done!
- (03:16:01) - LOTY 2024
- (03:21:24) - Stephen's #5
- (03:31:46) - Alanna's GOTY
- (03:33:45) - Brendon's #5
- (03:39:58) - AJ's #5
- (03:49:42) - Stephen's #4
- (03:52:12) - Brendon's #4
- (03:59:33) - Kim's GOTY
- (04:00:26) - AJ's #4
- (04:06:54) - Stephen's #3
- (04:15:59) - Brendon's #3
- (04:23:12) - Scout's GOTY
- (04:24:20) - AJ's #3
- (04:31:20) - Stephen's #2
- (04:35:00) - AJ's #2
- (04:39:04) - Brendon's #2
- (04:49:11) - Stephens' #1
- (05:04:11) - Brendon's #1
- (05:17:49) - AJ's #1
- (05:34:58) - Murray's GOTY(??)
- (05:35:44) - Discord GOTY 2024 (shoutout to Andy!)
- (05:40:51) - Honorable mentions
- (05:59:40) - BB and SH's guesses for each other
- (06:01:19) - Robin's GOTY
- (06:02:59) - Making the show list
- (06:24:43) - The Into the Aether Top 5 Video Games of 2024
- (06:25:14) - Recapping the lists
- (06:27:43) - Wrapping up!
- (06:31:41) - Looking to 2025
- (06:47:37) - That's it!
🚨SPOILERS FOR THE LIST!!!!🚨
Song credits, in order of appearance:
- Reversal of Fate by Satoshi Hori, Hana Kimura, Masahiro Oki, Shusaku Uchiyama from Dragon's Dogma 2
- Mission Select Online by Masufumi Takada from Earth Defense Force 6
- Prison 33 by Cameron Ginex from Arctic Eggs
- Cornia Overworld (Day) by Mitsuhiro Kaneda, Yoshimi Kudo, Rikako Watanabe, Richter, Toki Takeda, Denys Fontanarosa from Unicorn Overlord
- Guncho by Sam Webster from Guncho
- Afterfall by Tal Richards, Hahlweg, & Sheepy from Sheepy: A Short Adventure
- Urgency by Drew Redman from 1000xRESIST
- Astro by Kenneth C. M. Young from Astro Bot
- Safety First by David Johnsen from Home Safety Hotline
- STORM RISING (Normal) by Yusuke Yamauchi, Akitaka Tohyama, Shogo Nomura, Yoshihito Yano, Go Shiina, Shinji Hosoe from Tekken 8
- 異郷の君へと繋ぐ魔法 by GLORY CHORUS TOKYO from Metaphor ReFantazio
- Dragon Breath Theme by Martin Halldin from Mouthwashing
- Seaside Drive - Stage 1 by Eirik Suhrke from UFO50
- Main Theme (Field) 2 by Hajime Wakai, Masato Ohashi, Manaka Kataoka, Chisaki Hosaka, Reika Nakai, Yuri Goto, Ryotaro Yagi, Azusa Kato from The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Main menu theme by unknown from Fear the Spotlight
- Joy by Atsushi Kitajoh, Shoji Meguro, Ryota Kozuka from Persona 3 Reload
- The Great Circle by Gordy Haab from Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Main Menu by Daniel Millard from 10 Dead Doves
- Adventurous Journey by Koichi Sugiyama from Dragon Quest III HD 2D Remake
- Making Friends, Fighting Monsters by Tomás Batista from Arranger: A Rolepuzzling Adventure
- Big Wave by Kenneth C. M. Young from Astro Bot
- Tarot Theme by LouisF (rendition by Luis Clemente) from Balatro
- Menu by Sloane D. Smith from Psychroma
- Main Theme by LouisF from Balatro
- Mooncat - Overworld 1 by Eirik Suhrke from UFO50
- Battle Theme by Shoji Meguro from Metaphor ReFantazio
- Full Moon Full Life by Atsushi Kitajoh, Shoji Meguro, Ryota Kozuka from Persona 3 Reload
- Fixer's Song by Alex Mah and Drew Redmand (ft. A Sum) from 1000xRESIST
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