Into the Aether - A Low Key Video Game Podcast

They trade funny recording setup anecdotes before digging into Persona 4 Golden and why Persona finales land so differently. Conversation jumps to Tokyo Xanadu EX+ and whether it can join Falcom’s classics. They unpack the FMV ambition and branching chaos of 428: Shibuya Scramble. Thoughts on Code Vein II demos, Tomodachi Life vibes, Switch game plans, and a few retro handheld detours round things out.

In this lively discussion, the hosts dive into their theories about Persona 6, pondering its potential settings and cultural influences. They also celebrate the nostalgia of Tekken 3, sharing insights on its unique design and gameplay mechanics. A playful overview of Escape From Ever After reveals its satirical take on fairy tales, including quirky narratives like the Three Little Pigs as mob bosses. Lastly, Hytale's evolution from a Minecraft server to a standalone game is explored, highlighting its community engagement and exciting gameplay features.

This week, AJ Fillari, a producer and on-air contributor, joins as co-host. They dive into the quirky parallels between 90s Nickelodeon game shows and Dragon Quest games. AJ shares his thoughts on Blue Prince’s unique design and randomness, while also exploring the modernized elements of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. The duo discusses Unbeatable's innovative blend of rhythm and narrative, plus Brendon’s nostalgic rediscovery of Mario Tennis: Power Tour, highlighting its RPG training camp vibes. Tune in for a delightful mix of gaming insights!

The hosts brainstorm a quirky Persona game concept featuring a '7:18 Bowl of Chili.' They explore the narrative strengths of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, highlighting its cinematic storytelling and Zelda's evolving character. Transitioning to Persona 4 Golden, they discuss its atmospheric setting and the emotional depth of characters like Nanako and Dojima. Expect insights on potential remake changes and the importance of low-stakes moments in enriching the gameplay experience while navigating the game's intricate mechanics.

Dive into a celebration of 2025's standout video games, where the hosts share their top ten picks and reflect on the industry's shifting landscape post-COVID. They discuss the rise of indie titles, the allure of social gaming, and great narratives in games like Scarlet Hollow and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Exciting insights about intriguing upcoming projects like the PS Vita special and a hilarious debate over Donkey Kong Bonanza add to the fun. Join in as they highlight unique gameplay and community engagement in this year's gaming journey.

Prepare for an entertaining ride through the world of gaming! The guys dive deep into the legacy of the Vita, sparking nostalgia and excitement for indie titles. Persona 4 Golden gets some love, with debates on potential remakes and personal play styles. Larian's latest Divinity trailer unleashes hilarious reactions and discussions on creative freedom. Plus, they unveil Angeline Era’s quirky bump-slash combat and explore the evolution of Octopath Traveler with its new features. It’s a mix of humor, insights, and gaming passion!

Brandon Sheffield, Creative Director at Necrosoft Games and cohost of Insert Credit, joins the discussion about his game Demonschool, sharing insights on creative risks and the importance of keeping an edge in game design. He reflects on nostalgia in gaming, the challenges of multi-platform launches, and his unique approach to gameplay mechanics. The conversation also dives into Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, debating its identity issues and pacing while hoping for future innovations in the franchise. Get ready for a mix of creativity, nostalgia, and thoughtful critiques!

Explore the fascinating twist on 'cousin games' and the insights on Detective Instinct's narrative structure. Discover a vibrant discussion on roguelikes intertwined with arcade mechanics and Sektori's unique gameplay. The hosts dive into the remakes of Dragon Quest II, highlighting enhanced character depth and storytelling. With an analysis of tone, humor, and thematic elements like bravery and community, this conversation offers a delightful mix of nostalgia and critical exploration of gaming.

Bib Fortuna introduces the innovative 'Steve-B' video game conference, signaling a shift in gaming events. The hosts delve into 'Kirby Air Riders,' praising Masahiro Sakurai's design ethos while exploring the game’s accessible mechanics and mode variety. They also discuss the emotional depth of the 'Dragon Quest' remakes, highlighting nostalgic storytelling. Additionally, attention turns to the rise of Pokémon ROM hacks, spotlighting 'Pokémon Lazarus,' which reimagines classic gameplay. The conversation wraps with a critique of 'Dispatch,' touching on its narrative strengths and gameplay weaknesses.

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 WhepaheChase ALoveDiesNick QChris MRBKaren HAdam FScott HAlexander SMatt HMurrayDavid PJason KMicah OKamrin HAndrew DKyle SPhilip N ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★