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

Into the Aether - A Low Key Video Game Podcast

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

Episodes

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, 20252 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, 20252 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://shop.in...

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

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, 20252 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, 20252 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, 20252 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, 20252 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, 20252 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, 20252 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, 20252 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...

Jan 08, 20252 hr 56 minSeason 7Ep. 21

The 2024 Game of the Year Spectacular

Stephen, Brendon, and AJ discuss their top video games of 2024, along with listener picks and special guests, showcasing a wide range of titles and genres. They also delve into 'Games of the Other Years', listener suggestions, and end with a look ahead to the gaming landscape of 2025.

Jan 01, 20257 hr 56 minSeason 7Ep. 20

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

🎶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...

Dec 11, 20242 hr 48 minSeason 7Ep. 19

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

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.onlineBuy some NEW merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.pa...

Dec 04, 20242 hr 43 minSeason 7Ep. 18

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

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.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: ...

Nov 20, 20242 hr 39 minSeason 7Ep. 17

Together Mode w/ Robin and Kim! (feat. Dragon Age: Veilguard, Dungeons of Hinterburg, Caravan SandWitch

This week Stephen chats with Robin (Girl Mode) and Kim (dotzip) about dragons, dungeons, and van games! Listen to Girl Mode! Listen to dotzip! Read Robin’s writing on Veilguard: https://www.inverse.com/gaming/dragon-age-veilguard-trans-characters https://www.inverse.com/gaming/dragon-age-the-veilguard-review Discussed: Putting yourself into a jpeg, Dragon Age: Veilguard, Dungeons of Hinterburg, Caravan SandWitch, Witching Stone---Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some NEW merch i...

Nov 13, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 7Ep. 16

Cool Bird! (feat. Dragon Age: The Veilguard)

Who cares how old that dragon is? Have you seen this bird?? Discussed: Lamps, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Play Nice by Jason Schreier, How BioWare's Anthem Went Wrong by Jason Schreier for Kotaku, a brief history of Bioware, The Inside Story of Mass Effect 3's Endings, Finally Told by People Make Games on YouTube, go woke go broke is a grift, Dragon Age: Veilguard, white cheddar Cheez-Its---Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some NEW merch if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.on...

Nov 06, 20242 hr 57 minSeason 7Ep. 15

ITA 300: Bowser's Phony (feat. Shadow Generations, Paper Lily, Wilmot Works it Out, and more)

It's the 300th episode! Thank you for listening, even if the flaps of your red hunting hat are making it hard to do so. Stephen's Portrait of Ruin video: https://youtu.be/BThP3wAtxzYBrendon's Shiro and the Coal Town video: https://youtu.be/_6GvrKAdaQE Discussed: Beastie Ball, Wilmot Works it Out, Shadow Generations, Project Kat - Paper Lily Prologue, Paper Lily - Chapter 1, Return of the Obra Dinn, Halo Reach, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin---Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some...

Oct 30, 20242 hr 17 minSeason 7Ep. 14

The d4 Episode (feat. Dice Rolls)

*clack clack clack* Goodbye to *clack clack clack* Into the *clack clack clack* Fortnite??? Discussed: Talkin' Fantazio, 1000xRESIST, dotzip's 5 hours spoilercast, Matt Horton's What Should You Leave Behind? - 1000xRESIST Review, The Bench, Densha de Go! Pocket, Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy, Steam Next Fest, Star Vaders, Trip, HARK THE GHOUL, Dark Souls, Mario, 30Rock, Star Trek TNG, WEBFISHING, Minecraft, the new Memory Card Manuscript video this week, Castlevania: Portrait o...

Oct 23, 20242 hr 45 minSeason 7Ep. 13

Konami's Mario (feat. Metaphor: ReFantazio and Silent Hill 2 Remake)

It's a-me! Run. Check out Celtreos on Steam and iOS! Discussed: Nintendo Alarmo, Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games, Mr. Iwata [Grab Bag], No Masterpiece Has Bad Audio, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Metaphor: ReFantazio is the rare fantasy game that goes beyond racism 101 by Ash Parrish for The Verge, Silent Hill 2 Remake---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 ...

Oct 16, 20242 hr 44 minSeason 7Ep. 12

What's Up Tommy More? (feat. Metaphor: ReFantazio, Slay the Princess, and Emio - The Smiling Man)

You topia, me topia, we all topia! Use code AETHER20 at checkout for 20% off your first year of Pika! Discussed: The Metaphor: ReFantazio demo, the future of Persona, Slay the Princess, Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club, what makes a game, Silent Hill 2 might be good?!?!---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://stephenhilgerar...

Oct 09, 20242 hr 34 minSeason 7Ep. 11

30 Going On 100 (feat. UFO 50, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Monster Rancher DX 1 & 2, and Romancing SaGa 2 Remake)

People always tell you not to get old, but before you know it you're rolling out of bed, taking three steps to the right, and getting crushed by a hidden rock trap. Brendon's UFO 50 Review: https://youtu.be/yDLLojb2zUo Discussed: Controller chat, UFO 50, Barbuta (the genre), Into the Aether UFO50 Top 5, Tidings from the Aether, Monster Rancher DX 1 & 2, Romancing SaGa 2 Remake Demo, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Lost Kingdoms---Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some NEW ...

Oct 02, 20242 hr 10 minSeason 7Ep. 10