Into the Aether - A Low Key Video Game Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Bonus Feb 28, 2023

Show notes

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a deeply important video game that Stephen has played a lot and Brendon has played a little. On this very special bonus episode of Into the Aether: They talk about it!

Miyamoto's GDC Talk: https://youtu.be/a9DlhDRZ0yA
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Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.online
Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast
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Follow on Mastodon: https://theaether.space/@intothecast
Follow on Tumblr: https://intothecast.tumblr.com
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Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/

Follow Brendon Bigley: https://theaether.space/@bb

Produced by AJ Fillari: https://theaether.space/@aj
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Season 5 Cover Art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/

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Timecodes:

(00:00) - Intro
(00:41) - Reintroducing Into the Aether
(02:00) - Our histories with the game and general thoughts about the series
(46:42) - SPOILER WARNING
(48:30) - Talking through the story
(02:25:43) - Parting thoughts before questions
(02:30:24) - Listener Questions!
(02:30:39) - From Ben // OoT #vibes
(02:33:45) - From callmearcturus // Shadow Temple scary? AND top 3
(02:40:16) - From ThatSlyDevlin // 2D to 3D comparison
(02:43:53) - From albatrossthesoup // Theme intentionality?
(02:47:33) - From ChaseAllhart // Storytelling method?
(02:49:37) - From tori_as_always // Spirit or Shadow temple first?
(02:50:52) - From tori_as_always // Remake?
(02:54:01) - From tori_as_always // Good blueprint?
(02:59:25) - From SilverHanded // Favorite ocarina song?
(03:00:03) - From Biscuit // Favorite dungeon/temple?
(03:06:33) - From ZachHessler // Biggoron good?
(03:09:31) - From LD // OoT recommendations?
(03:09:49) - From Jason C // Favorite hang?
(03:11:46) - From Rufus // From OoT to TotK?
(03:16:02) - Thanks for the questions!
(03:17:01) - Wrapping up!

The Tetris to Katamari Spectrum (feat. Wild Hearts and the PSP) Feb 22, 2023

Show notes

Tetris and Katamari Damacy represent two similar but opposing approaches to video game design that emphasize different aspects of gameplay and aesthetics. By scrutinizing where a game falls on this spectrum, we may garner insights into its design and mechanics, as well as its potential impact on players. In this edition of the Into the Aether Audio Experience, we shall delve into this Tetris-to-Katamari spectrum and its implications for game design and player experience, and unravel the mysteries that lie within.

Discussed: Wild Hearts, PlayStation Portable, Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters, Rock Band Unplugged, Jeanne D'Arc, Me & My Katamari, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Burnout Legends
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Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/

Follow Brendon Bigley: https://theaether.space/@bb

Produced by AJ Fillari: https://theaether.space/@aj
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Season 5 Cover Art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/

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Timecodes:

(00:00) - Intro
(03:47) - No time for segues // Wild Hearts
(28:42) - PSP-yoo!!!!! Stinky!!!
(46:13) - The mid-review turnaround // PSP good????
(01:07:54) - Secret segmeeeeent! Secret segmeeeeeeeeent!
(01:08:24) - The Question
(01:17:36) - More questions
(01:19:41) - Wrapping up

Tingle Kiwami (feat. Sea of Stars, Metroid Prime Remastered, Octopath Traveler II) Feb 15, 2023

Show notes

Oh man, as a huge fan of Tingle, let me tell you about Tingle Kiwami - it's a game that puts our favorite little green freak right smack in the middle of the Yakuza universe! And let me tell you, it's incredible! The world is super colorful and whimsical, and Tingle's unique personality and magical powers make the game feel like a fresh take on classic Yakuza gameplay. I had a blast using Tingle's dance moves to make friends, solve puzzles, and take down bad guys. Plus, the story is full of bloody twists and turns that kept me hooked, and the graphics and sound are totally on point.

Discussed: Metroid Prime Remastered, Game Boy & Game Boy Advance, Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe, Sea of Stars, Octopath Traveler II
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Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/

Follow Brendon Bigley: https://theaether.space/@bb

Produced by AJ Fillari: https://theaether.space/@aj
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Season 5 Cover Art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/

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Timecodes:

(00:00) - Intro
(01:01) - The spectre of the episode
(02:02) - The crux of the episode // Last week's Nintento Direct
(11:54) - Wii Punch out
(12:14) - Jumping in! // Metroid Prime: Remastered
(17:54) - Conceding to rumors
(22:39) - Getting into this // GBC and GBA Virtual Consoles
(38:03) - Dude, The Beetles?
(39:56) - It's Demo day
(43:07) - It's Demo day // Kirby's Return to Dreamland
(46:55) - It's Demo day // Sea of Stars
(57:26) - It's Demo day // Octopath Traveler 2
(01:20:14) - Wrapping up!

bach.mp3 Feb 08, 2023

Show notes

It's basically September, and there was a Nintendo Direct today.
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Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.online
Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast
---
Follow on Mastodon: https://theaether.space/@intothecast
Follow on Tumblr: https://intothecast.tumblr.com
---

Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/

Follow Brendon Bigley: https://theaether.space/@bb

Produced by AJ Fillari: https://theaether.space/@aj
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Season 5 Cover Art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Season of Mike Newton (feat. Twilight, Season, 8-Bit Adventures 2) Feb 08, 2023

Show notes

Team Edward? Team Jacob? Absolutely not, vampires and werewolves had their time in the spotlight. A new season springs forth with a familiar face at its helm: Mike Newton.

Discussed: Season: A Letter to the Future, Super Mario Bros, Marvel SNAP, Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, 8-Bit Adventures 2
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Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/

Follow Brendon Bigley: https://theaether.space/@bb

Produced by AJ Fillari: https://theaether.space/@aj
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Season 5 Cover Art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/

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Timecodes:

(00:00) - Team Intro
(03:15) - The Animal Crossing New Leaf bonus is out!! Thanks Will!!!
(03:49) - Twenty Twenty Three Video Games?!?!! // Season: A Letter to the Future
(31:18) - I love Digimon so much - AJ
(31:29) - "Let's a-go" - Mario // Super Mario 2: The Lost Levels
(39:35) - So Marvel SNAP, huh? // Marvel SNAP
(47:51) - Time to pivot!
(48:12) - Time to pivot! // Age of Empires II: Defnitive Edition
(54:22) - Another NEW game o_0 // 8-bit Adventures 2
(01:11:23) - Wrapping up

Hedge-Core (feat. Hi-Fi Rush, Theatrhythm, Persona 4 Golden) Feb 01, 2023

Show notes

The latest trend in fashion and aesthetic is a revival and revisiting of the arguable hit 2006 Dreamworks film Over the Hedge. With its whimsical characters, witty humor, and heartwarming storyline, people are starting to rediscover the charms of this animated classic. The film's aesthetic has become increasingly popular as people seek comfort in nostalgia and a return to simpler times. "Over the Hedge" is a charming and relatable film that seemingly has timeless appeal, and its reemergence as a cultural touchstone as "Hedge-Core" will continue to be a major trend in the coming months.

Austin Walker on Forspoken: https://www.clockworkworlds.com/post-cringe/

Discussed: Hi-Fi Rush, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call, Persona 4 Golden, Fire Emblem Engage, Marvel SNAP
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Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/

Follow Brendon Bigley: https://theaether.space/@bb

Produced by AJ Fillari: https://theaether.space/@aj
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Season 5 Cover Art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/

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Timecodes:

(00:00) - Intro
(00:51) - There was an Xbox direct
(02:25) - Talking about the layoffs
(03:37) - A shadow (bass) drop // Hi-Fi RUSH
(42:31) - Keepin' the rhythm train a-rollin'! // Theaterhythm: Curtain Call
(54:13) - MORE video games?????!!! // Persona 3/4/5
(01:37:39) - That's it
(01:45:42) - Wrapping up

Animal Crossing: New Leaf | Bonus Jan 31, 2023

Show notes

Recorded throughout the month of January 2023, Stephen and Brendon discuss the 3DS hit Animal Crossing: New Leaf and its place in the franchise.

Big thanks to Will LaPorte for the musical interludes! Find their work: https://ghostdown.bandcamp.com/
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Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/

Follow Brendon Bigley: https://theaether.space/@bb

Produced by AJ Fillari: https://theaether.space/@aj
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Season 5 Cover Art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/

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Timecodes:

(00:00) - Intro
(01:01) - Our histories with the franchise
(34:47) - Week 1
(01:04:14) - Week 2
(01:33:47) - Week 3
(01:56:23) - New Leaf, new questions!
(01:56:37) - From Matt // Smaller game?
(01:59:42) - From Chris // New Leaf and Wild World?
(02:06:46) - From Humanity // Season progression?
(02:12:19) - From stillgotit // Dream villagers?
(02:13:22) - From wreckx // Nice villagers?
(02:19:20) - From lukerfuffle // Eye of the Joey
(02:21:02) - From blueberrylemon // Focus on experience?
(02:26:00) - From Cameron // Mechanics?
(02:34:48) - Sailing off to Tortimer's Island

Bye Bye Boucheron (feat. Fire Emblem Engage and more!) Jan 25, 2023

Show notes

Since recording we've learned that Boucheron's single defining trait is that he loves to read. More like BOOKeron, am I right? Hmm. We'll workshop it.

Discussed: Fire Emblem Engage, Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!, A Slight Chance of Sawblades, Perfect Grind, Final Fantasy V, Persona 3 + 4
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Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/

Follow Brendon Bigley: https://theaether.space/@bb

Produced by AJ Fillari: https://theaether.space/@aj
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Season 5 Cover Art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/

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Timecodes:

(00:00) - Intro
(01:00) - Welcome to Fire Emblem! // Fire Emblem: Engage
(01:02:05) - BOUCHERON!
(01:03:31) - Remember mobile games?
(01:04:27) - Remember mobile games? // Pocket Card Jockey: Ride on!
(01:10:03) - Remember mobile games? // A Slight Chance of Saw Blades
(01:10:51) - Remember mobile games? // Perfect Grind
(01:12:19) - Remember mobile games?
(01:17:45) - It's an Albany expression // SteamD eck
(01:28:17) - No more talking about Pokemon // Final Fantasy V
(01:48:43) - A very chill, normal shoutout // MORE PERSONA GAMES ON SWITCH
(02:04:10) - Wrapping up

VROOM (feat. Gran Turismo 7, Kid Icarus Uprising, and more!) Jan 18, 2023

Show notes

A lot of good episode titles here, but sometimes you gotta keep it simple. Oh yeah, we talk about video games in this one.

Discussed: Gran Turismo 7, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Picross 3D: Round 2, Crimson Shroud, Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, Kid Icarus Uprising
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Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/

Follow Brendon Bigley: https://theaether.space/@bb

Produced by AJ Fillari: https://theaether.space/@aj
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Season 5 Cover Art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/

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Timecodes:

(00:00) - Intro
(01:10) - Happy birthday Callie!
(01:17) - Feeling Winter
(01:48) - Iiiiiiiiit's gaming! // Gran Turismo 7
(32:15) - The Olimar family tree
(34:18) - Anyway // Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
(50:28) - A full-circle moment // Persona 4 Golden
(52:07) - The Nintendo Three Dee Ess
(52:46) - The Nintendo Three Dee Ess // Crimson Shroud
(01:00:38) - The Nintendo Three Dee Ess // Picross 3D: Round 2
(01:03:38) - The Nintendo Three Dee Ess // Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop DIstance
(01:11:19) - The Nintendo Three Dee Ess // Kid Icarus Uprising
(01:22:28) - Those are all the games!
(01:23:29) - Teasing for next week
(01:28:36) - Wrapping up

What Nintendo Has Wrought (feat. Attack of the Friday Monsters, Ocarina of Time, and more!) Jan 11, 2023

Show notes

It's an idyllic quiet countryside town, but the looming threat of pollutants and the impending demise of a handheld's library has Stephen and Brendon in a tizzy.

Discussed: Attack of the Friday Monsters!, Fire Emblem Path of Radiance, Shatter Remastered Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Marvel SNAP

Animal Crossing New Leaf Blog: https://itanewleaf.tumblr.com/post/705552732953706496/welcome
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Follow Stephen Hilger: https://stephenhilgerart.com/

Follow Brendon Bigley: https://theaether.space/@bb

Produced by AJ Fillari: https://theaether.space/@aj
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Season 5 Cover Art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/

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Timecodes:

(00:00) - Intro
(02:13) - In case you missed it // Patreon updates
(03:36) - Also on that note! // New Leaf Bonus update
(05:39) - The 3DS! // Attack of the Friday Monsters
(28:58) - Much Ado About SOMETHIN'!
(30:17) - The Shakespeare of Interactive Fiction // Fire Emblem Path of Radiance
(44:29) - A Nintendo Move (tm) // New Switch? Tears of the Kingdom, etc...
(48:07) - The Quiet Times
(49:23) - The Quiet Times // The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the 3DS
(01:01:06) - Another shoutout // Harmoknight
(01:02:28) - Two more quick shoutouts // Shatter Remastered Deluxe
(01:04:32) - Two more quick shoutouts // The new Marvel SNAP season
(01:12:57) - Shoutouts!
(01:13:42) - Wrapping up

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