Into the Aether - A Low Key Video Game Podcast

Dive into the fascinating world of language learning through video games! Discover how games like Dragon Quest 11 make mastering Japanese fun and engaging. Uncover the unique mechanics behind upcoming titles like Warriors Abyss and the nostalgic allure of Dissidia Final Fantasy. Experience courtroom drama in gaming and the evolution of narrative-driven visual novels. Plus, find out about an exciting new game-matching app that caters to your preferences. It's a thrilling blend of gaming insights and personal anecdotes!

Kratos' axe glows blue because it's filled with Mountain Dew VoltageDiscussed: The PSP 3000, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep and other multi-protagonist games, PSP feelings, The Cousin Game is one of the oldest and most underappreciated genres by Pat Gill on Polygon, games, Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max, The Power Stone Collection, Loco Roco, Persona 3 Portable, Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment, Fallout: New Vegas, Outer Worlds, Avowed - Review by Skill Up on YouTube---Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some NEW 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 (00:14) - The prophecy is fulfilled (00:39) - A special announcement (04:20) - How're you feeling about the PSP? (21:11) - Games (21:22) - Stephen's PSP games (21:50) - Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max (24:26) - The Power Stone Collection (30:34) - Loco Roco (36:17) - Persona 3 Portable (56:01) - Avowed (01:56:23) - 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 ★ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hosts dive into the legacy of Daxter, reflecting on its near cancellation and evolution within the gaming industry. They explore the emotional narrative of Citizen Sleeper 2, discussing unique gameplay mechanics and community themes. Nostalgia takes center stage as they reminisce about Dragon Quest VIII and its charming storytelling. Whimsical game concepts are also highlighted, teasing upcoming titles like Ruffy and the Riverside, while playful debates on iconic video game duos add an entertaining twist.

Dive into nostalgic gaming discussions that jump from Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep to fond memories of 90s Disney movies. Hear hilarious reflections on handheld consoles like the PSP and exciting chatter about eagerly anticipated games like Civilization VII. The hosts share their affection for arcade racing classics, particularly Ridge Racer, while also exploring the evolution of game sequels. With a sprinkle of humor and plenty of engaging anecdotes, this conversation captures the essence of gaming nostalgia and community.

In this episode, the King of All Cosmos trades in katamaris for catalytic converters!Discussed: GOTY 2017 is out on the Patreon!, the deal, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, the d6, Tyrant's Realm, Skies of Arcadia trademark renewed, Tokyo Xtreme Racer, Hironobu Sakaguchi wants his next (and maybe last) game to be ‘a successor to Final Fantasy VI’ on The Verge, Tyrant's Realm (for real), The Miyoo Flip is Not Ready Yet (Review) from Wavelengths, Metroid Fusion, Everyone is Underestimating Mouse Mode from Wavelengths, the Switch 2, Heroes of Hammerwatch 2, Nintendo Music, Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Carburetor Carl---Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some NEW 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 (00:20) - GOTY 2017 is available on our Patreon! (01:25) - Here's the deal (05:47) - Tyrant's Realm (10:03) - Tokyo Extreme Racer (30:49) - Tyrant's Realm (42:10) - Metroid Fusion (54:25) - A Switch 2 prediction (56:35) - Three things remain (57:13) - Heroes of Hammerwatch 2 (01:06:28) - Nintendo Music (01:22:19) - Dynasty Warriors: Origins (01:37:05) - 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 HAlexander SPTherese KjgprintersJessica BMurrayDavid PJason KBede RKamrin HKyle SPhilip  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get excited! The PSP season premiere i-EEHNH [INFRACTION NOTICE: You are not entitled to more than 2.76 seconds of excitement per show note. PENALTY: 1,000 years added to sentence]-s right around the corner!Discussed: Lil updates, Marvel Rivals, Overwatch, GunZ: The Duel, plumbing, Letterlike, Freedom Wars Remastered---Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some NEW 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 (10:20) - Marvel Rivals (01:02:41) - Plumbing update (01:02:55) - Letterlike (01:05:31) - Freedom Wars Remastered (01:22:25) - 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 ★ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the world of gaming nostalgia as the hosts discuss their fond memories of Pokémon Emerald and the revamped 'Emerald Sea Glass.' They explore the latest in handheld gaming with devices like the Steam Deck, comparing features and travel experiences. A quirky reflection on Olive Garden dining adds humor to the mix, while they delve into anticipated titles such as Yakuza and the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. Expect insights into upcoming gaming tech and a lighthearted discussion about retro classics!

You're sending *them* in?! Captain, you can't be serious. The red ones can't even swim!Use code AETHER20 at checkout for 20% off your first year of Pika!Discussed: Welcome back, new formula (no sugar added!), PSP premiere prep, Pikmin 4, Arms-tier, Pikmin Hearts 4.5 reMix, Metaphor ReFantazio, thanks for listening<3---Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some NEW 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 2025 (02:22) - Thanks for comin' back! (04:03) - New year, new formula (30:05) - PSP Prep (45:45) - We ARE back (47:10) - Pikmin 4 | Fourlimar and Fourie (01:15:51) - Metaphor ReFantazio | A Dave-the-Diver-like (01:52:35) - 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 ★ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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---Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some NEW 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/---***🚨SONG CREDITS ARE BELOW CHAPTERS. FULL SPOILERS FOR THE LIST!!!🚨***---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 ---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 ★ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🎶Game of the yeeear, twenty-fooour🎶🎶Is the next oooone, in your podcast feed🎶🎶As for this oooone, Starfox twoooo🎶🎶And Great Circle, Fantasian, a ROM hack, we'll see your next yeeear🎶Use code AETHER20 at checkout for 20% off your first year of Pika!Discussed: Thank you for listening to the show!, Discord GOTY list, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, **FACT CHECK: Todd Howard is actually the executive producer of the game, it was directed by Jerk Gustafsson and Axel Torvenius**, Brendon on Eye of the Duck talking about Young Indiana Jones, Welcome to the Golden Age of Licensed Video Games by Lewis Gordon for The Ringer, Starfox 2, Fantasian: Neo Dimension, Vegas Brendon, Pokémon Emerald Seaglass, see you in 2025!---Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some NEW 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 (02:02) - Get your GOTY votes in on the Discord!!! (03:29) - Speaking of GOTY (04:39) - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle | The GOTY shakeup (01:04:11) - Break (01:06:06) - Stephen's surprise (01:07:27) - Starfox 2 | Stephen's surprise (01:22:44) - Shoutout to Peppy (01:23:23) - Fantasian: Neo Dimension | Contractual bring up (01:37:17) - A quick Switch vent (01:39:03) - Pokemon Emerald Seaglass | A ROM Hack??? On ITA????? (01:45:27) - Thank you so much for listening! See you in 2025!! ---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 ★ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices