Deep Listens
346 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsA bi-weekly video game book club that takes a deep look at one game every episode. We discuss the literary elements, philosophical ideas, and game design decisions that make games great while keeping things funny and friendly. Tune in for some close readings of your favorite games! Email us at [email protected]
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Episodes
Did Lightning Ever Leave? Part 1
June 10, 2022 01:29 - 1 hour - 37.7 MBIn this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff discuss Lighting Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. We start with a food review, as is customary. We then talk about the absolute audacity of Lightning Returns' first few hours and it's hard break from FFXIII's traditional combat system. Check out the current ranking of Fantasies here: bit.ly/deepfinal If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens If you like our new art a...
Episode 173: Song Of Iron And Twists
June 02, 2022 23:46 - 53 minutes - 23.1 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Song of Iron, a 2D Viking action game. We discuss the game's imprecise physics, gorgeous visuals, and surprising ending. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens If you like our new art and want to commission some of your own, reach out to Tyler at tylerorbin.net
Off The Deep End Ep. 20 - Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven
May 26, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 61.3 MBHuzzah! Hale and hearty, fellow grognards! Join the Deep Endsmen once again as we delve into the sixth Might and Magic game, a world chock full of goblins, political intrigue, and the occasional laser. How does this decidedly PC role playing experience stack up in our Big List? Tune in to find out! See the entire Off The Deep Ends ranked list at http://bit.ly/otderank Find OTDE's theme music and more at https://supersex-420.bandcamp.com/ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please co...
Episode 172: Kirby and the Forgotten Lands Goes Places
May 19, 2022 21:34 - 1 hour - 27.1 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Kirby and the Forgotten Lands. We discuss if we've grown out of Kirby, whether this is the best Kirby game we've ever played, and whether this game's story needed to go so hard. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens If you like our new art and want to commission some of your own, reach out to Tyler at tylerorbin.net
Balls Deep: 2022 Playoffs and End of Season Awards
May 17, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 32.5 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss the 2022 NBA playoffs, the Sacramento Kings coaching search, and check-in on their pre-season NBA award predictions. Time to see which of them has the most credibility! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens If you like our new art and want to commission some of your own, reach out to Tyler at tylerorbin.net
Off The Deep End Episode 19: Eternal Sonata (Pt. 2?)
May 12, 2022 17:03 - 1 hour - 92.8 MBWe pick up where Deep Listens Prime left off on this special episode of Off The Deep End. Join the OTDE Gang and bossman Gino "thatpinguino" Grieco as we cover the back half of Eternal Sonata, a game about a dying musician and/or magic rocks in a child's heart. See the entire Off The Deep Ends ranked list at http://bit.ly/otderank Find OTDE's theme music and more at https://supersex-420.bandcamp.com/ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.pat...
Episode 171: About An Elf And Irony Poisoning
May 05, 2022 22:05 - 59 minutes - 26 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss About An Elf. We discuss the game's unique visuals, attempts at postmodernism, and nonsensical story. We also learn a bit more than we'd like about Pete's browser history. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens If you like our new art and want to commission some of your own, reach out to Tyler at tylerorbin.net
Final Musicality: FFV and VI Rare Music
April 28, 2022 13:48 - 1 hour - 76.9 MBIn this episode Gino, Jeff, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss FFV Dear Friends and FFVI Special Tracks. We cover the context in which these two very weird and Japan exclusive albums were made, what role they play in their respective games, and whether they're any good! This is, by far, the weirdest FF thing we've had to rank on our Ranking of Fantasies. Check out the current ranking of Fantasies here: bit.ly/deepfinal If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting...
Episode 170: Tiny Games With Fulfillment and The Supper
April 21, 2022 22:49 - 47 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this episode Gino and Pete discuss Fulfillment and The Supper. Fulfillment is a tiny, activist game that explains the perils of an Amazon warehouse worker through gameplay. The Supper is a bite-sized adventure game that tells a cool story in record time. We discuss Amazon's labor practices and how Fulfillment depicts their problems, the struggle of designing adventure game puzzles, and spider facts. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patre...
Off The Deep End Episode 18: N64 RPG Round Up
April 14, 2022 20:10 - 1 hour - 102 MBWell howdy and yeehaw to you! It's time for the ol' Nintendo 64 RPG Round Up in these parts, fellow cowpoke! Join the Deep End Three as we discuss and rank Quest 64, Hybrid Heaven, and Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage! See the whole Off the Deep End List at bit.ly/otderank If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Episode 169: Trials of Fire Could Use an Editor
April 07, 2022 22:15 - 1 hour - 39.5 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete and Em discuss Trials of Fire. We discuss the game's overwhelming number of mechanics, complex gameplay, and frustrating UI. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Off The Deep End Episode 17: Ogre Battle 64
March 31, 2022 21:52 - 1 hour - 98.6 MBThree persons of decidedly unlordly caliber have taken it upon themselves to play Ogre Battle 64. It turns out one must first discuss Quest, Yasumi Matsuno, and the Nintendo 64 before talking about this very involved strategy RPG! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Episode 168: Elden Ring Is... Divisive
March 24, 2022 21:55 - 2 hours - 62.9 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Elden Ring. We try to discuss the game's many mechanics, overwhelming length, unique storytelling style, and frustrating quirks. We spoil as much of the game as there is to spoil. So watch out if you're trying to go in blind. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Final Six-tasy: Part 4 - The Grand Final-e
March 17, 2022 21:42 - 2 hours - 70.9 MBIn this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie: -REDACTED-, and Jeff discuss the end of Final Fantasy VI. We then place FFVI in our definitive Ranking of Fantasies. It's the FFIX versus FFVI showdown you've all been waiting for! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Episode 167: Sable Is Beautiful If It Runs On Your Computer
March 10, 2022 18:02 - 1 hour - 31.6 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Sable. We cover the game's beautiful, but largely empty open world. We also discuss cartography difficulties, coming of age stories, and the shared creation of meaning. This one went deeper than expected. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Final Six-tasy: Part 3
March 04, 2022 05:14 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBIn this episode Gino, Jeff, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss Final Fantasy VI from Thamasa to the World of Ruin. We cover as many plot points as we can. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Off The Deep End Game of the Year 2021
February 25, 2022 05:42 - 1 hour - 96 MBWe've survived a year without being cancelled! Join us as we celebrate by crowning our own champions, on a much less prestigious stage than those champagne sipping ancienne bourgeois on the main show! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Listen to the Magic: Kamigawa Neon Dynasty
February 22, 2022 22:36 - 2 hours - 74.2 MBIn this episode Gino, "Magic Master" Kyle, and Giantbomb's Matthew Rorie discuss Kamigawa Neon Dynasty! We cover each color's overrated, underrated, and best cards. This is a surprisingly well made set! It's the first time we haven't predicted a ban in a while! You can register for the Giantbomb community MTG tournament here: https://www.giantbomb.com/forums/general-discussion-30/lets-kamigawa-with-another-magic-arena-tournament-1901585/ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consi...
Episode 166: Can We Afford The Rights to The No Yume Series? Eternal Sonata
February 17, 2022 22:50 - 1 hour - 39.4 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em are joined by the -REDACTED- brothers, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- and Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED- to discuss Eternal Sonata! We cover roughly half of this mess of a game. We talk about bad parents, unending monologues about nothing, and combat that we wish was either better or shorter. Like the game it features, this episode is a doozy. Be sure to send in your proposals to the No Yume series of games to [email protected]! If you've bee...
Off the Deep End Episode 15: Quest for Glory I
February 10, 2022 05:02 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBJeff, Chris, and Braden have aspirations of heroism. But do they have the appetite for a heady mix of RPG mechanics and classic Sierra point and click adventure mechanics? Or is sumo wrestling more their speed? Find out here! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Deep Dive: Silent Hill: Revelation 3D Featuring Voidburger
February 09, 2022 04:48 - 2 hours - 63.2 MBIn this episode Gino, Em, and Pete are joined by Jess "VoidBurger" O'Brien to discuss the film Silent Hill: Revelation 3D. We walk through the film scene by scene to parse the sheer absurdity of it all, guess at why Kit Harrington was allowed to speak with the accent he does, and question how Malcolm McDowell and Carrie-Anne Moss ended up in this movie. This is a rip-roaring good time and in some ways is better the less you know about the movie. Come for the Silent Hill, stay for the Sumo ta...
Episode 165: Fortnite is a Fast Fashion Game
February 03, 2022 21:57 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss this little indie title called Fortnite. We're super excited to be able to highlight such a hidden gem and discuss what makes it tick. We cover the game's tween targeting, endless content churn, and whether digital concert events are more like normal concerts or haunted houses. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Off The Deep End Episode 14: Dragon Quest I
January 27, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 83.6 MBJeff, Braden, and Chris ring in 2022 by time travelling back to 1986 for the first Dragon Quest title. Or, at least attempt to do so. This seminal title's impact reverberates to this day, but does it hold up? Maybe we'll find out! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Episode 164: Webbed Tricked Us
January 20, 2022 22:04 - 59 minutes - 26.3 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Webbed: an indie puzzle platformer about an adorable little spider. We discuss the game's tight swinging mechanics, not so tight physics puzzles, and the unfortunate ratio of the former to the later. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Final Six-tasy: Part 2
January 14, 2022 22:11 - 2 hours - 54.4 MBIn this episode Gino, Jeff, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss Final Fantasy VI from the first party split up to Thamasa. We cover SO MANY STORY BEATS. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Game of the Year 2021
January 07, 2022 14:27 - 3 hours - 90.3 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, Em, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, Jeff Rud, and Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED- debate the games we played this year for our annual Trenchies! The categories this year are: Game of the Year 2021, Best Comedy, Best Horror, Best Drama, Best Action, Best Adventure, Best Character, Worst Character, Best Soundtrack, Prettiest Game, Best Performance/Voice Acting, Best Mechanic, Biggest Disrespect of the Player's Time, Best Twist, Worst Game of Our Year 2021, Worst St...
Final Six-tasy: Part 1
December 31, 2021 01:49 - 1 hour - 37.7 MBIn this episode Gino, Jeff, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss Final Fantasy VI from the start of the game to the first Ultros battle. We cover the game's combat system, translation history, and flex-full technical achievements. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Episode 163: Talkin' 'Bout Bugsnax
December 23, 2021 20:33 - 1 hour - 28.2 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Bugsnax. We spoil the hell out of the game so only listen if you are prepared to learn the truth about Bugsnax! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Off the Deep End: Episode 13 - Tecmo Secret of the Stars
December 17, 2021 03:07 - 1 hour - 70.6 MBThe Off the Deep End gang takes its first fan request, Tecmo Secret of the Stars! Yes, the Tecmo Bowl people (literally! the same staff!) made a Japanese role playing game. Would it surprise you to hear their first crack at the genre is a bit pants? Join us in the Ballad of Badbad! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Episode 162: Unsighted On Trend
December 10, 2021 02:59 - 1 hour - 30 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Unsighted. We cover the game's many mechanical influences, cool world, and exploitable design. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Listen to the Fantasy: Opus XV
December 03, 2021 05:04 - 2 hours - 64.7 MBIn this episode Gino and RVA Returner John Schreiner discuss Opus XV of the Final Fantasy Trading Card Game! We discuss crystals, the best cards of each element, and the cards that we're most excited to build around. You can find the RVA Returners here: https://returnersfftcg.com/ And you can join the Returners Discord here: https://discord.gg/tDq3MDQ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Off the Deep End: Episode 12- Suikoden 1
November 25, 2021 18:48 - 1 hour - 72 MBThree Stars of Destiny join once again to discuss Konami's early PS1 hit, Suikoden. Does the serviceable gameplay standup to its few mechanical pratfalls and boilerplate story? Find out here! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Episode 161: Into The Breach Is A Chess Puzzle Strategy Game
November 19, 2021 04:56 - 1 hour - 36 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Into The Breach, rogue-like strategy, and games as brain teasers. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Bonus Episode: Inscryption Is Cool
November 11, 2021 22:36 - 1 hour - 35.9 MBIn this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED- discuss Inscryption. We cover the game's card game mechanics, the game behind the game, and whether we whole is greater than the sum of its parts. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Episode 160: Silent Hill 2 Is The One You Want To Play
November 05, 2021 03:09 - 1 hour - 47.7 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, Em, and Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED- discuss Silent Hill 2. We cover the game's overt sexual symbolism, what a dirt-bag James is, and attempt to piece together the actual timeline of the events in the game. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Balls Deep: 2022 NBA Season Kickoff
October 31, 2021 16:14 - 1 hour - 33.6 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss the end of the 2021 NBA season, the current dramas in LA, Brooklyn, and Philly, and 2022 season predictions. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Off the Deep End: Episode 11 - The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age
October 28, 2021 04:11 - 1 hour - 90.3 MBJoin Jeff, Braden, and Chris as they put a bullet in one of the great myths of the video game hobby: the notion that The Third Age is an alright role playing game. Both the console and portable versions are considered, and the legendary EA Spouse Letter is even invoked.
Episode 159: You Really Need To Get In The Car, Loser
October 21, 2021 21:26 - 1 hour - 46 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss the latest indie, lesbian, road-trip RPG: Get In The Car, Loser. We cover the game's use of FFXIII-inspired combat mechanics, it's unique leveling system, and its economy before delving into a spoiler-filled breakdown of its very contemporary story. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Deep Dive: Jacob's Ladder
October 14, 2021 22:02 - 1 hour - 35.3 MBIn this episode Gino, Em, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss Jacob's Ladder, the film that inspired many of the environmental, tonal, and character decisions of the Silent Hill franchise in anticipation of playing Silent Hill 2. We discuss the film's use of religious symbolism, government conspiracy, and temporal confusion to craft a uniquely unsettling horror film. We wrap up with a cautionary tale about the 2019 remake. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supportin...
Episode 158: The Artful Escape of the Cheeky Lil Butter Boy
October 07, 2021 20:49 - 1 hour - 39.5 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss The Artful Escape. We cover the game's decision to keep gameplay light and consequence free. We also examine how that choice allows the game to focus on expressiveness, visuals, and audio quality. We wrap up by discussing how the game can be read as a trans journey and how each of our characters grew into themselves. You can read the article we discussed in the show here: https://www.thegamer.com/the-artful-escape-trans-queer/ If you've been enj...
Off the Deep End Episode 10 - Fan Translation Roundup
September 30, 2021 21:59 - 1 hour - 92.2 MBJeff, Braden, Chris, and special community guest RekiWylls convene to discuss... well, several things. But primarily fan translation. We take stabs at three community efforts: Bahamut Lagoon, Arabian Nights, and Soma Bringer. We also get into a proper fight over Mario RPGs, for some reason! This one goes places. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Episode 157: Psychonauts 2 is The Haunting of Hill House of Collectathons
September 24, 2021 05:30 - 1 hour - 47.5 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, Em, and Noelle discuss Psychonauts 2. We cover the game's depiction of mental health, trauma, and various mental conditions. We spoil the whole darn thing, so play it before you listen if you want to save some surprises! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Final Fantasy XV, No, Not That One, The Tie In Ones
September 16, 2021 21:27 - 1 hour - 45.9 MBIn this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- and Jeff Rud discuss Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV and A King's Tale: Final Fantasy XV. We rank this mediocre movie and unimpressive beat 'em up amongst our Ranking of Fantasies and ponder how the hell Kingsglaive even came to be. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Episode 156: G String is Not About Underwear
September 09, 2021 23:43 - 1 hour - 36.3 MBIn this episode Gino, Em, and Pete discuss G-String, a cyberpunk shooter that was 10 plus years in the making. We discuss G-String's origins as a Half-Life 2 mod and its winding road to completion. We talk about the game's strong setting and vistas as well as its confounding level design. We wrap up by talking about the importance of scoping projects and the pitfalls that occur when a small team takes on too much work. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at h...
Listen to the Fantasy: Opus XIV
September 03, 2021 02:13 - 1 hour - 51.8 MBIn this episode Gino and RVA Returner John Schreiner discuss Opus XIV of the Final Fantasy Trading Card Game! We discuss multicolor cards, the best cards of each element, and the cards that we're most excited to build around. You can find the RVA Returners here: https://returnersfftcg.com/ And you can join the Returners Discord here: https://discord.gg/tDq3MDQ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Episode 155: Afterparty Is Sending Us Mixed Signals
August 26, 2021 04:20 - 1 hour - 27.3 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Afterparty! We cover the game's odd relationship with booze, fuzzy morality, and mundane vision of the afterlife. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Off The Deep End Episode 9 - Granda II Pt. 3
August 19, 2021 22:11 - 2 hours - 101 MBJeff, Braden, and Chris have polished off Grandia II! We've seen things you wouldn't believe! A robot that learns how to love! Low resolution drawings of Ghidora! So many pillars of AoE fire! Will it be enough to unseat Xenosaga Episode 1 as our favorite RPG? Find out here! Special thanks to SUPERSEX420 for the podcast theme music, "Halfway". Find more SUPERSEX420 tracks on Bandcamp. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Episode 154: Persona 4 How About Some More- Part 2
August 13, 2021 03:32 - 1 hour - 42 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Persona 4 from Rise's dungeon to Naoto's dungeon. We discuss the game's handling of angsty teens, gender identity, and true friendships. We then fast forward through the end game because Persona 4's gameplay does not entertain over 80 hours anymore. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
Deep Interview: Talking Rave Shit and Sounds of Tokyo-To Future with 2 Mello
August 10, 2021 12:00 - 55 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this episode Gino and Em speak to mix master 2 Mello about his new album, Sounds of Tokyo-To Future, and the first single from the album, Rave Shit. We discuss the song, the music video, and production of the album overall. We're really excited about the production on this episode as well! You can watch the Rave Shit music video here. You can find Mello's music at https://2mellomakes.bandcamp.com/ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patr...
Off The Deep End Ep. 8 - Granda II Pt. 2
August 05, 2021 22:34 - 1 hour - 86.1 MBThose rascally RPG devotees of the burning American West are back once again with more Grandia II, discussing the broad middle of the game. Has the combat held up its end of the bargain, or are we left hoping for anime bullshit to pull us through to the end? Find out here! Also enjoy updates on our Deep Listens Family streaming efforts, and an impromptu review of Roadrunner. Special thanks to SUPERSEX420 for the podcast theme music, "Halfway". Find more SUPERSEX420 tracks on Bandcamp. If...