Into the Aether - A Low Key Video Game Podcast - podcast cover

Into the Aether - A Low Key Video Game Podcast

Stephen Hilger + Brendon Bigleyintothecast.online
A low key video game podcast by Stephen Hilger and Brendon Bigley. Produced by AJ Fillari.
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Episodes

Into the Aether Goes Indie

Hey everyone! We have some big changes coming to Into the Aether in the near future and we wanted to talk through them a bit. To avoid burying the lede here: We’re leaving the Pickaxe podcast network and returning to complete independence. This has actually been in the works for a little while, but we wanted to only share the news when all of the boxes were checked. This is not a decision we made lightly, but we’re confident it is the right decision for us and for all of you. To be clear, we hav...

Jun 30, 202511 minSeason 7Ep. 45

Demon in a Tube (feat. Raidou Remastered, Monster Train 2, Awaysis, The Hundred Line)

I miss the good old days where all you had in your pockets were your keys, your iPod, and your Demon in a Tube. Discussed: Death Stranding 2, Donkey Kong Bananza, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, Monster Train 2, Slay the Spire 2, Hades 2, 17bit, Galak-Z, Awaysis, The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.online Buy some merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.online Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast --- Follow S...

Jun 25, 20252 hr 7 min

Demon in a Tube (feat. Raidou Remastered, Monster Train 2, Awaysis, The Hundred Line)

I miss the good old days where all you had in your pockets were your keys, your iPod, and your Demon in a Tube. Discussed: Death Stranding 2, Donkey Kong Bananza, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, Monster Train 2, Slay the Spire 2, Hades 2, 17bit, Galak-Z, Awaysis, The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.online Buy some merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.online Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast --- Follow S...

Jun 25, 20252 hr 5 minSeason 7Ep. 44

The Blue Shell Curve (feat. Switch 2, Mario Kart World, The Hundred Line, Fire Emblem: Three Hopes, Tears of the Kingdom, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet)

Intelligence is hating the blue shell. Wisdom is knowing that you're so good that being hit by the blue shell won't make a difference. Discussed: The Nintendo Switch 2, sales, Mario Kart World, The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-, Fire Emblem: Three Hopes, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Super Mariomon, Pokémon ZA Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.online Buy some NEW merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.online Join the Patreon: https://ww...

Jun 18, 20252 hr 7 minSeason 7Ep. 43

The Blue Shell Curve (feat. Switch 2, Mario Kart World, The Hundred Line, Fire Emblem: Three Hopes, Tears of the Kingdom, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet)

Intelligence is hating the blue shell. Wisdom is knowing that you're so good that being hit by the blue shell won't make a difference. Discussed: The Nintendo Switch 2, sales, Mario Kart World, The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-, Fire Emblem: Three Hopes, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Super Mariomon, Pokémon ZA Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.online Buy some NEW merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.online Join the Patreon: https://ww...

Jun 18, 20252 hr 9 min

My New Catchphrase (feat. Fantasy Life i, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Consume Me, Mina the Hollower, The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-)

Bazinga. Discussed: Brendon is back!, the Switch 2, this post on bsky, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Elden Ring Nightreign, The Summer Game Fest Problem by Brendon for Wavelengths, We're Really Just Going Through With All This, Aren't We by Luke Plunkett for Aftermath, Consume Me, The award that changes the lives of its winners by Chris Plante for Post Games, Mina the Hollower, Silksong is not out yet, video game "Free Bird", Galak-z, The Hundred Lin...

Jun 11, 20252 hr 9 min

My New Catchphrase (feat. Fantasy Life i, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Consume Me, Mina the Hollower, The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-)

Bazinga. Discussed: Brendon is back!, the Switch 2, ⁠this post on bsky⁠ , Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Elden Ring Nightreign, ⁠The Summer Game Fest Problem ⁠ by Brendon for Wavelengths, ⁠We're Really Just Going Through With All This, Aren't We ⁠ by Luke Plunkett for Aftermath, Consume Me, ⁠The award that changes the lives of its winners⁠ by Chris Plante for Post Games, Mina the Hollower, Silksong is not out yet, video game "Free Bird", Galak-z, The ...

Jun 11, 20252 hr 7 minSeason 7Ep. 42

Speaking of the Smog with Dominick Nero and Joshua Rivera (feat. Gravity Rush, Final Fantasy IX, Capcom Fighting Collection 2, The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-, UFO50)

Gravity Rush and Silent Hill are smog-likes Follow Joshua: https://bsky.app/profile/jmrivera.bsky.social Follow Dom: https://bsky.app/profile/dominicknero.bsky.social Listen to Eye of the Duck: https://eyeoftheduckpod.com/listen Discussed: Gotenks, the Gravity Rush series, Silent Hill Creator Keiichiro Toyama Reacts to Shock Closure of The Evil Within Developer Tango Gameworks by Ryan Dinsdale for IGN, Final Fantasy IX, Capcom Fighting Collection 2, Street Fighter naming conventions and history ...

May 28, 20252 hr 11 min

I Want to Be Potboy! (with Robin and Tori!)

Lo! To be made of clay and build a deck of the finest cards crafted from the hand of mine God. Follow Robin: https://bsky.app/profile/robinbombus.bsky.social Listen to Girl Mode: https://linktr.ee/girlmodepod Follow Tori: https://bsky.app/profile/toridp98.bsky.social Listen to Press Start: https://linktr.ee/press_startpod Discussed: Anxiety, secret bees, StarVaders, Rift Riff, The Midnight Walk, Into the Restless Ruins, when it feels good to lose, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Press START plays: ...

May 21, 20251 hr 33 min

Table for One, Please! (feat StarVaders, Pokemon: Lazarus, Super Mariomon, Promise Mascot Agency)

This week on Into the Aether: The unique pleasures of reading a book. Discussed: Medieval Times in Lyndhurst New Jersey, StarVaders, Pokemon: Lazarus, Nemo622 on Kofi, Super Mariomon, Super Mariomon! by Alpharad on YouTube, Cure (film) on Wikipedia, Promise Mascot Agency --- 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/ ...

May 14, 20251 hr 13 min

Are You Sick? (feat. Nubby's Number Factory, A Game About Digging A Hole, Metal Garden, Megaman Battle Network, Rogue Galaxy)

If you use Cacio e Pere to upload Megaman to the Snot Fridge that'll maximize your Schwarzenegger for early Holes. Discussed: Cacio e pere, The Silver Spoon, True Lies, Batman & Robin (1997) by Eye of the Duck, Nubby's Number Factory, Poop Butt, A Video About Digging A Hole by Jacob Geller on YouTube, A Game About Digging A Hole, Metal Garden, ISLANDS: Non-Places, Backloggd, Switch 2, Megaman Battle Network, One Step from Eden, Starvaders, Level-5, Rogue Galaxy, Dark Cloud 2, Final Fantasy X...

May 07, 20251 hr 42 min

Creed of Grit (feat. Clair Obscur, Baldur's Gate 3, and Blue Prince)

I'm six feet from the game, and I'm playin' BDS Info: https://www.bdsmovement.net/microsoft Discussed: It's RPG Week, no we won't be playing the Oblivion remake, but Skyblivion comes out later this year, Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 8, Blue Prince, The last Blue Prince secret? Sharp political commentary by Jeffrey Parkin for Polygon, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, next week :-) --- Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.online Buy some NEW merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.online Join the Pa...

Apr 30, 20251 hr 43 min

PODCAST (Collect 4 Coins) (feat. Blue Prince, Etrian Odyssey 3 HD, Dark Cloud)

Once you figure out how to work with the RNG you can upgrade the show from "low-key" to "high-key". Discussed: Stephen's time at C2E2, Making the Aether 2025 ($5+ Patron exclusive), Blue Prince (🚨GENERAL MECHANICAL AND ROOM SPOILERS🚨), Etrian Odyssey 3 HD, Myst, Dark Cloud, Rogue Galaxy --- 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://step...

Apr 23, 20251 hr 46 min

More Than a Fallout Boy (feat. Assassin's Creed Shadows, Oblivion Remake, Warrior's Abyss, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, Yakuza 0)

Stephen and Brendon discuss Assassin's Creed Shadows, praising its distinct protagonists and stealth mechanics while critiquing the open-world bloat. They also cover Oblivion remake news, Warriors Abyss, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, and Yakuza 0, reflecting on franchise fatigue and the balance between innovation and familiarity in gaming.

Apr 16, 20252 hr 9 min

Listen to Your Heart (feat. Nintendo Switch 2 Predictions, Rift of the Necrodancer, Two Point Museum, Kirby games, Yakuza 0)

If you're playing as Marluxia you have to go for the science victory. Discussed: Predictions for the April 2nd Nintendo Switch 2 direct, Rift of the Necrodancer, Theatrhythm Final Barline, Two Point Museum, Civilization, We Entered the World of Microsoft Excel eSports & Got Our Asses Beat by People Make Games on YouTube, Kirby's Dreamland 2 DX, backlogs of pain, Yakuza 0, the Yakuza Biglete Order --- Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.online Buy some NEW merch if you'd like: https://sho...

Apr 09, 20252 hr 4 min

Good Luck, Good Run: A Nintendo Switch 2 Reaction Episode

This episode is coming out late so we could talk for 2 hours and 22 minutes about the Nintendo Switch 2. Discussed: The number two --- 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 ...

Apr 02, 20252 hr 25 minSeason 7Ep. 33

biig_mii.mp3

usually on any% we only have ten minutes or less to answer a listener submitted prompt for our patreon audience. this is the same as that, but it's about the nintendo direct and available for everyone. enjoy <3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 27, 202510 min

Jak to Jak (feat. Xenoblade Chronicles X, Jak and Daxter)

This ain't your granddad's Jak. This Jak squiggles. Discussed: The two types of podcasts, Assassin's Creed: Shadows, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, how to keep people locked into Nintendo Online, Switch 2 Gamecube speculation, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, Daxter, Jak II, the Sly Cooper series, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier for the PS2, Pokemon Lazarus demo, Valkyria Chronicles 4, Civilization VII, Nintendo Switch 1 direct --- Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onli...

Mar 26, 20251 hr 38 minSeason 7Ep. 32

Sequels All the Way Down (feat. Atelier Yumia, Ender Magnolia, Romancing SaGa 2)

Check out Celtreos on Steam or iOS! They really nerfed Sephiroth in Minecraft 2: Spelunking to the Zenith of Hope: RiZing - Obsidian Edition. He's basically unplayable now. Discussed: A big announcement (for real!), answering your (probably) two big questions, Smash Bros. Ultimate tier lists, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land demo, PS5 storage solutions, Runefactory 4, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Tidings, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, A mini Nier podcast, Romancin...

Mar 19, 20251 hr 47 minSeason 7Ep. 31

I Norted Myself (feat. Kingdom Hearts 3, Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line)

So there I was, minding my own business, when all of a sudden I realize I Norted myself... again! Discussed: Ys: The Oath in Felghana, Kingdom Hearts 3 Re Mind lmao, Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line---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.wa...

Mar 12, 20251 hr 53 minSeason 7Ep. 30

Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep | Bonus

You have to listen to this 3 times to get Brendon, Stephen, and AJ's unique POVs on the episode. Discussed: Histories with the series, AnyAustin on YouTube, Video Game Podtimism's Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days ep with Brendon, Hexensteph's Reports, each character's story, listener questions---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://stephenhilge...

Mar 07, 20253 hr 5 min

Catchin' Some Ys (feat. Monster Hunter Wilds, Wagotabi, Ys: The Oath in Felghana)

Zs are so last week. Discussed: Birth by Sleep at the end of the week!, welcome NPC to TWG!, Monster Hunter Wilds, Civilization, Brendon is still learning Japanese, Shashingo, Wagotabi: A Japanese Journey, the PSP, Level5, Ys: The Oath in Felghana, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2---Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some NEW merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast...

Mar 05, 20251 hr 27 minSeason 7Ep. 29

The PSPaghetti Method (feat. Warriors Abyss, Dissidia Final Fantasy, Of the Devil, Ys VIII)

Into the Aether: When You're Here, You're Probably Listening to Us Talk About the PSP Again Check out Trip Sitter's album Then Again, It Never Was wherever you listen to music! Discussed: The king, Game Gengo ゲーム言語, Why did Duolingo kill its owl mascot?, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, Avowed, Shangri-La Frontier, Warriors Abyss, Dissidia Final Fantasy, Of the Devil, Ys, getting bread for that sandwich, Monster Hunter, Ludocene---Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some NEW merch i...

Feb 26, 20251 hr 30 minSeason 7Ep. 28

Finding the Biggest Dew (feat. Avowed and the PSP)

Kratos' axe glows blue because it's filled with Mountain Dew Voltage Discussed: 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://int...

Feb 19, 20252 hr 2 minSeason 7Ep. 27

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

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.onlineBuy some NEW merch if you...

Feb 12, 20251 hr 39 minSeason 7Ep. 26

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

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 Dax...

Feb 05, 20251 hr 43 minSeason 7Ep. 25

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

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 Und...

Jan 29, 20251 hr 43 minSeason 7Ep. 24

PSP Pep! (feat. Marvel Rivals and Freedom Wars Remastered)

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 Step...

Jan 22, 20251 hr 26 minSeason 7Ep. 23

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

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...

Jan 15, 20252 hr 8 minSeason 7Ep. 22

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

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 S...

Jan 08, 20251 hr 56 minSeason 7Ep. 21
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