Into the Aether - A Low Key Video Game Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Best of JD on UMD (feat. Daxter, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, Ruffy and the Riverside, Dragon Quest VIII) Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

You like my UMD cellar? Thank you. This whole wall is just season 1 of Scrubs.

Discussed: How Meta Killed Ready At Dawn by MinnMax on YouTube, Daxter, The Wall by Pink Floyd, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, Citizen Sleep 2 and the Queer Art of Failure by Matt Horton on YouTube, Ruffy and the Riverside, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, Dragon Quest VIII

The Best Way to Play PSP Games in 2025: https://youtu.be/JZIKhcZjnGw
---
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
---
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
---
Season 7 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/
Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/
---
Timecodes:

(00:00) - Intro
(00:25) - A callback shoutout
(06:55) - Daxter
(28:38) - Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
(52:39) - Ruffy and the Riverside
(01:02:28) - Birth by Sleep
(01:05:09) - Dragon Quest VIII
(01:29:02) - Wrapping up

---
Thanks to all of our amazing patrons including our Eternal Gratitude members:
Zachary D
IanfaceMcGee
Matt H
Clayton M
Chris Y
w0nderbrad
Shawn L
Cody R
Zach R
Federico V
Logan H
Alan R
Slink
mattjanzz
Deacon
Grok
Corey Z
Directional Joy
Susan H
Olivia K
Dan S
Isaac S
Will C
Jim W
Evan B
David H
min2
Aaron G
V
Erik M
Brady H
Joshua J
Tony L
Danny K
Seth M
Adam B
Justin K
Andy H
Demo
Parker E
Maxwell L
Spiritofthunder
Jason W
Jason T
Corey T
Minnow Eats Whale
Caleb W
fingerbelly
Jesse W
Mike T
Codes
Wesley
Erik B
mebezac
Sergio L
ninjadeathdog
Rory B
A42PoundMoose
Andrew
Justin M
Peter
Stellar.Bees
Brendan K
Scott R
wreckx
Noah O
Michael G
Arcturus
Chris R
hepahe
Cory F
Chase A
LoveDies
Nick Q
Wes K
Chris M
RB
Michaela W
Adam F
Scott H
Alexander SP
Therese K
jgprinters
Jessica B
Murray
David P
Jason K
Bede R
Kamrin H
Kyle S
Philip

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

PNG Face (feat. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, the PSP, Ridge Racer) Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Honestly no joke I write here would be funnier than the end of this episode.

Discussed: Trust falls, Twilight, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix on the PS4, a little bit of PSP stuff, Flip and Scratch are back, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, Eternal Strands, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, Civilization VII, favorite 90s Disney movies, Home ImPSProvement, the Playstation TV, PNG Face, Ridge Racer, Ridge Racer 2, Gran Turismo on the PSP, Riiiiidge Raceeeer, Daxter, Secret Agent Clank, Jak and Daxter The Lost Frontier, wrapping up, stick and hoop, craps
---
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
---
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
---
Season 7 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/
Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/
---
Timecodes:

(00:00) - Intro
(00:54) - An update for Brendon
(03:25) - Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix on the PS4
(43:18) - Four* games that Brendon is dying to play
(46:52) - 90s Disney movies
(49:26) - Hardware chat
(01:08:10) - The Sony AVT
(01:08:34) - Ridge Racer
(01:33:08) - Wrapping up

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We 💛 Restroom Music (feat. the d6, Tokyo Xtreme Racer, Tyrant's Realm, Metroid Fusion, Heroes of Hammerwatch 2, Nintendo Music, Dynasty Warriors: Origins) Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

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.online
Buy some NEW merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.online
Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast
---
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
---
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

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

PSP Pep! (feat. Marvel Rivals and Freedom Wars Remastered) Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

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.online
Buy some NEW merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.online
Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast
---
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
---
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

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Pressing the C-Button (feat. the RG35XXSP, Pokemon Emerald Seaglass, The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, the Steam Deck) Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

I tap my head and look at the Switch 2 leaks realizing what the "C" stand for.
---

Thanks to the Prime Lenses podcast for supporting this episode!

---
✨To find The Worst Game Jam in the TWG server, navigate to the "GAMES FORUMS" category, go to the "games-events" forum, and join "The Worst Game Jam (Jan 11-19 2025)"✨

---
Discussed: The Worst Game Jam on the TWG Discord server!, Olive Garden, the Switch 2, the RG35XXSP, Mario Kart Super Circuit, Konami Kart Krazy Racers, Pokemon Emerald Seaglass, The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, travelling with the Steam Deck, the Lenovo Legion Go S, the ROG Ally, Like a Dragon, Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers, our futures with console gaming
---
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
---
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
---
Season 7 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/
Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/
---
Timecodes:

(00:00) - Check out The Worst Game Jam!
(01:38) - Intro
(16:31) - The RG35XXSP
(31:51) - Pokemon Emerald Seaglass update
(01:07:21) - Break
(01:07:22) - The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
(01:31:47) - Steam Deck, Travel, and SteamOS | NPC: Mini
(01:39:03) - Yakuza: Like a Dragon
(01:48:39) - Handheld PCs
(02:04:18) - Wrapping up

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Expendables (feat. Updates, Pikmin 4, Metaphor ReFantazio) Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

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.online
Buy some NEW merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.online
Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast
---
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
---
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
(46:09) - Pikmin 4 | Fourlimar and Fourie
(01:14:51) - Metaphor ReFantazio | A Dave-the-Diver-like
(01:51:35) - Wrapping up

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The 2024 Game of the Year Spectacular Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

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.online
Buy some NEW merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.online
Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast
---
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
---
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

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The George Lucas Episode (feat. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Starfox 2, Fantasian: Neo Dimension, Pokémon Emerald Seaglass) Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

🎶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 Gamesby Lewis Gordon for The Ringer, Starfox 2, Fantasian: Neo Dimension, Vegas Brendon, Pokémon Emerald Seaglass, see you in 2025!
---
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
---
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
---
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
(01:04:13) - Stephen's surprise
(01:05:33) - Starfox 2 | Stephen's surprise
(01:20:51) - Shoutout to Peppy
(01:21:29) - Fantasian: Neo Dimension | Contractual bring up
(01:35:23) - A quick Switch vent
(01:37:10) - Pokemon Emerald Seaglass | A ROM Hack??? On ITA?????
(01:43:33) - Thank you so much for listening! See you in 2025!!

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dragon Quest Monsters: Bill (feat. Neva, After Inc., Witching Stone, Animal Well, Rainworld, and Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake) Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

Hiya! I'm a Pokém-- I mean, a monster. Not like a monster, haha. Specifically, I'm a Platypunk, but I used to be human! Could you help me return to my original form via Windows 98?

Discussed: GotY process and thoughts, Neva, After Inc., Witching Stone, Animal Well, Rainworld, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, Stephen's underappreciated tweet, Dragon Quest 6
---
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
---
Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/
Follow Brendon Bigley: https://threads.net/@brendonbigley
Produced 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://instagram.com/ghostdownphoto
---
Timecodes:

(00:00) - Intro
(02:42) - The next month's schedule
(06:00) - GotY Prep
(12:32) - GotY Qualifications
(26:33) - The Game Awards brought to you by Johnson & Johnson and Raytheon with special guest Sam Altman
(27:16) - Neva
(41:22) - After Inc.
(49:39) - Witching Stone
(54:13) - Animal Well and Rainworld
(01:05:19) - Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake
(01:40:16) - Wrapping up

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Hope Stationary (feat. Dragon Quest 3: HD-2D Remake, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Metaphor Re:Fantazio, Pokemon TCG: Pocket) Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

X™ — The Everything App™ — is so yesterday. We're onto Hope Stationary now.

Discussed: Mom, Dragon Quest 3: HD-2D Remake, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, drop the "The", it's cleaner, Metaphor Re:Fantazio, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Pokemon TCG Pocket, vavavoom
---
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
---
Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/
Follow Brendon Bigley: https://threads.net/@brendonbigley
Produced 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://instagram.com/ghostdownphoto
---
Timecodes:

(00:00) - Intro
(01:28) - Dragon Quest 3: HD-2D Remake | The opposite of doomscrolling
(45:41) - Tiding from Emily to Will!
(47:21) - Dragon Age: The Veilguard | The Update Corner
(59:22) - Metaphor Re:Fantazio | The Update Corner
(01:13:00) - NOT Call of Duty Black Ops 6
(01:14:04) - Pokemon TCG Pocket | NOT CoDBlOps 6
(01:31:56) - Wrapping up

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Into the Aether – A Low Key Video Game Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected