Deep Listens

Episode 153: Persona 4 How About Some More- Part 1

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Persona 4 from the outset to the end of Kanji's dungeon. We discuss what holds up, what doesn't, and Freud. Get Bent with us! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Final Fantasy XIV: Dad of Light

In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED, and Jeff discuss Final Fantasy XIV: Dad of Light. We cover the show's generic J-Drama plot, how it uses FFXIV, and how it blends a big ol' ad with an actual TV show. We wrap things up by placing the show on our definitive Ranking of Fantasies. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Episode 152: Metroid Fusion is a Classic

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Metroid Fusion, untrustworthy AIs, and why people keep sending Samus to the same damn planet.   If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Deep Listens Wheel of Topics Variety Show

Em leads Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED-, Jeff Rud, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- on a wheel-based variety show covering a ton of topics. Where the wheel stops, nobody knows! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Episode 151: The Pedestrian and Piggybacking

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss The Pedestrian. We cover the game's novel puzzle mechanics, elegant use of real world iconography, and confusing conclusion. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Off The Deep End: Episode 7 - Grandia II is Surprisingly Good?

Your favorite roving band of geohounds returns to discuss Grandia II! Join Jeff,Braden, and Chris as they delve into the history of Game Arts, bemoan the demeritsof Sega's Dreamcast, and hammer home how the relatively low budget and boilerplate plot of Grandia II belie its compelling combat system. Take the State of Deep Listens video game census thing! Use this link! https://bit.ly/3xOaDdK If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/Deep...

Episode 150: Devotion is More Than Its Controversy

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Devotion, the Taiwanese horror game follow up to Game of the Year, Detention. We discuss the entire story of Devotion, patriarchy, and superstition. After we cover the entire game, we discuss the controversy that led to Devotion being pulled from all digital retailers for over two years. If you want to answer our call for feedback, use this email: [email protected] If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at ...

Listen to the Magic: Modern Horizons 2

In this episode Gino and "Magic Master" Kyle discuss Modern Horizons 2! We cover each color's overrated, underrated, and best cards. Back to talking about busted cards that will probably be banned! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Off The Deep End: Episode 6- Kusoge Madness

Jeff, Braden, and ZP have punched their tickets for entry into the first OtDE Kusoge Carnival! No introductory nonsense here, just coverage of two games that have likely never been considered for a podcast in the history of the medium (and one that has)! Come for the classic Eurojank, and stick around for BIG CD-ROM ENERGY! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Episode 149: Hotel Dusk and Mysterious Coincidences

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Hotel Dusk, mysteries, Noir, and holding a DS like a book! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Off The Deep End: Episode 5- Xenosaga Concludes

Jeff, Braden, and ZP have returned from the Encephalon to fill you in on the last half or so of Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht! Join us as we struggle to get our heads around concepts like U-DO, the complex web of intrigue which binds the Second Miltian Government to U-TIC, and why sometimes a little censorship can improve your final product. All this, plus some consideration of long gone used media shops across the United States! Special thanks to SUPERSEX 420 for the theme music...

Episode 148: Oxenfree is Spooky

Final Fantasy Seventh Heaven: Remake - Part 2 The Grand Final-e

In this episode Gino, Em, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff Rud discuss the back half of the Final Fantasy VII Remake! We discuss everything from the Wall Market to the end of the game. This includes the controversial ending, the Sephiroth content, and the multiple filler dungeons! We then rank FFVII Remake on our Ranking of Fantasies! Where will it end up? If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Episode 147: Vagrant Story is a Marvel

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em go deep on the mechanics and story of Vagrant Story. If you've ever wanted to know about damage types, affinities, crafting, and PP, boy, do we have a show for you! We also delve into the Shakespearean references and influences felt in Vagrant Story's main plot. This game is somehow 97MB! How the actual hell? If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Listen to the Magic: Strixhaven

In this episode Gino and "Magic Master" Kyle discuss Strixhaven! We cover each color's overrated, underrated, and best cards while also going over the mechanics of the new set. It's our first episode in a while where we aren't 100% certain that some of the cards we discuss will be banned! Hurray! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Episode 146: Loop Hero is Somehow Too Passive and Too Active

In this episode Gino, Em, and Pete discuss Loop Hero, ant brains, and our finite existence on this Earth. We discuss how much play a game needs to have to be engaging, our favorite strategies for progress, and whether we enjoyed our time with the game at all. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Listen to the Fantasy: Opus XIII

In this episode Gino and RVA Returner John Schreiner discuss Opus XIII 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 145: Wide Ocean Big Jacket is not a Song By Cake

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Wide Ocean Big Jacket. We delve into camping, mean teens, difficult relationship conversations, and awkward flirting. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Off The Deep End: Episode 4- Xenosaga Continues

Off The Deep End is back, and this time the playback speed is correct! Join Jeff, Braden and Chris as they explore the history of Japan's Freudian psychoanalytic monoculture and its intrinsic relationship to Meiji Restoration-era promotion of state religion, the seemingly imminent and lamentable closure of the PlayStation Store on PlayStation 3, and also Xenosaga. We've got space whales, personality reconditioning, and characters literally named Mary and Shelley! If you've been enjoyin...

Episode 144: Superhot is the Most Innovative Shooter I've Played in Years

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss SUPERHOT, the most innovative shooter we've played in years. We discuss the game's uniquely deliberate gameplay and it's uniquely icky viral marketing. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens 

Off The Deep End: Episode 3- Xenosaga is A LOT

Jeff, Braden, and ZP convene once again to delve into another RPG that's just too hot for the regular show. Xenosaga is a long and ponderous series that kicked off its longwinded ways with the first entry. We celebrate that spirit by spending an extraordinary amount of time talking about Neon Genesis Evangelion, as well as the entire history of Japanese encounters with Judaism, before discussing the first 7 hours of the game. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting ...

Episode 143: Project Triangle Strategy is its Actual Name

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss the Project Triangle Strategy demo with special guest Matthew Rorie of Giantbomb.com. We cover the demo's odd choice to start in the middle of the story with little context, it's very FF Tactics-style gameplay, and its Game of Thrones world. We conclude by asking everyone if they were inspired by the demo to actually pick up the full game. You can follow Rorie @frailgesture on Twitter. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider support...

Final Fantasy Seventh Heaven: Remake - Part 1

In this episode Gino, Em, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff Rud discuss the first half of the Final Fantasy VII Remake! We discuss everything from the beginning of the game to the end of Wall Market.  If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Episode 142: The World of the Weird in Tales From Off Peak City: Vol 1

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em are joined by music master 2Mello to discuss Tales From Off Peak City: Vol 1. We discuss 1600s animal law, nightmarish pizzas, and recognizable city issues in a funhouse city block. If you want to listen to/purchase Mello's music, you can find it at https://2mellomakes.bandcamp.com/ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Off the Deep End: Episode 2- Fire Emblem, the First One

In this episode Jeff Rud, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED- discuss Fire Emblem. We discuss the series' history, Nintendo's early development teams, bad accents, and Marth. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Listen to the Magic: Kaldheim

In this episode Gino and Magic Master Kyle Moran discuss Kaldheim! In a rare occasion we actually managed to call a ban that happed before the podcast even posted! Listen for our prescient analysis of the latest MTG set! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Episode 141: Paying Off Our Debts in Recettear An Item Shop's Tale

In this episode Gino, Pete, Em, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss Recettear! We cover the game's localization journey, it's charming characters, and the boring path of raw Capitalism.  If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Balls Deep: Basketball Under Quarantine

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss the 2020-2021 NBA season and the weirdness of playing basketball during a pandemic. We discuss the 2020 Finals, theteams that have been hit hard by Covid, and whether we can take anything away from the first few weeks of the season. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Off The Deep End: Episode 1- Ultima 4

In this new spin-off podcast Jeff Rud, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED, and Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED- will be discussing obscure RPGs with the depth you've come to expect from Deep Listens! This week they discuss Ultima 4! They explain the roots of Ultima, the insufferable moral code of Lord British, and how all you need to escape an island in Ultima is patience.  The audio quality in this episode is a little different thanks to some recording software quirks that should be ironed out...

Episode 140: Do Not Disturb Your Fond Memories of Dragon Age: Origins

In this episode Gino, Pete, Em, and Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED- discuss Dragon Age Origins. We cover how the game's structure holds up in a modern context, whether the Bioware formula of the 00s holds up at all, and whether the gameplay is any good. We wrap up by discussing our favorite characters and scenes from the game. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens  

Dissidia: Final Fantasy Opera Omnia is Medical Grade

In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, Jeff Rud, and Em Paladino discuss Dissidia: Final Fantasy Opera Omnia. We cover the game's many systems, monetization schemes, and bonkers story. We wrap up by ranking Opera Omnia on our definitive Ranking of Fantasies. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Episode 139: A Game Cannot Survive on Vibez alone: Cloudpunk

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Cloudpunk, a cyberpunk package delivery game. We cover the game's interesting art style, tedious gameplay, and too on-the-nose social commentary. We wrap up by discussing our favorite characters, scenes, and whether cyberpunk is played out as an aesthetic. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Game of the Year 2020

In this episode Gino, Pete, Em, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff Rud debate the games we played this year for our annual Trenchies! The categories this year are: Game of the Year 2020, 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 2020, Worst Story or Written Dialog, Biggest Indic...

Episode 138: We Can't Control Our Excitement

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em are joined by special guest Eric Kanius to discuss Control! We cover the game's unique setting, excellent puppets, and snappy gameplay. We also delve into just what makes Control's setting so compelling and where the game's design is a tad confusing. You can follow Eric @EricKanius on twitter. You can listen to The Personal History of Games here. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Final Fantasy XIII-Too Bad: Part Two- The Grand Final-e

In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff Rud discuss the end of Final Fantasy XIII-2. We cover the game's ridiculous story, tedious gameplay loops, and genuine heart. We wrap by putting the game on the Ranking of Fantasies list! Where will it go? Is it better than FFXIII? Is it better than FFX-2? Listen to find out! If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Episode 137: Ni No Kuni: It's Babanas

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. We discuss the game's oddly dark story, it's incredibly boring combat, and whether it would be better as a movie. Things take a very sharp turn when we talk about the Fairy Godmother. If you would like to join the Deep Listens Podcast in supporting the Trans Women of Color Collective, you can do so by donating here: https://www.twocc.us/ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at h...

Final Fantasy XIII-Too Bad: Part One

In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- and Jeff Rud discuss the first 15 hours of Final Fantasy XIII-2. We cover how hard the game breaks away from FFXIII lore, how little it breaks away from FFXIII combat, and how "lol who cares" the story is. We all agree the game is mediocre at best, but our appreciation levels of that mediocrity vary. If you would like to join the Deep Listens Podcast in supporting the Trans Women of Color Collective, you can do so by donating here: https:/...

Episode 136: Carrion is Gross

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss the grosses Metroidvania of them all: Carrion. We discuss the game's unique control scheme, it's decision to make you play as the villain, and it's psuedo-linearity. We wrap up by discussing why certain forms of locomotion gross people out. If you would like to join the Deep Listens Podcast in supporting the Trans Women of Color Collective, you can do so by donating here: https://www.twocc.us/ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider...

The Long-Awaited Crazy Ex-Girlfriend show

In this episode Gino is joined by Em, Noelle, Emily, and Emily to discuss the musical comedy show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. We discuss our favorite characters, songs, and moments from the show. We then discuss the show's handling of romance and mental illness. It's been a long time coming baby! You can listen to Emily and Emily on Worst Friends Forever  You can follow Emily V @ItsEvolkYo You can follow Emily K @egkeller If you would like to join the Deep Listens Podcast in supporting the ...

The Long-Awaited Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Show

In this episode Gino is joined by Em, Noelle, Emily, and Emily to discuss the musical comedy show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. We discuss our favorite characters, songs, and moments from the show. We then discuss the show's handling of romance and mental illness. It's been a long time coming baby! You can listen to Emily and Emily on Worst Friends Forever  You can follow Emily V @ItsEvolkYo You can follow Emily K @egkeller If you would like to join the Deep Listens Podcast in supporting the ...

Episode 135: Hades is Other People

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em are joined by a special guest to discuss Hades! We cover the game's mechanical density, our favorite Boons and weapons, and our pet strategies. We then pivot to talking about the game's representation of Greek gods and mythology. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Listen to the Fantasy: Opus XII

In this episode Gino and RVA Returner John Schreiner discuss Opus XII 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 134: You Can't Beat Free with Genshin Impact

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Genshin Impact, free to play games, and the dangers of gacha systems. If you would like to join the Deep Listens Podcast in supporting the Trans Women of Color Collective, you can do so by donating here: https://www.twocc.us/ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens

Chrono Crossed: Part 3 - Baby, Daughter, Clone

In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff Rud discuss the final act of Chrono Cross. I wish I could describe what happened in this game or this podcast, but I can't. That part of our lives is over now. Baby, DAUghter, CLONE! If you would like to join the Deep Listens Podcast in supporting the Trans Women of Color Collective, you can do so by donating here: https://www.twocc.us/ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.co...

Episode 133: Coffee Talking

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss the indie barista simulator Coffee Talk! We cover the game's intermingling of fantasy tropes with a contemporary Seattle setting, how the game utilizes a coffee bar as a Third Place, and how the game envisions a sort of artistic blue-collar worker. If you would like to join the Deep Listens Podcast in supporting the Trans Women of Color Collective, you can do so by donating here: https://www.twocc.us/ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please ...

Listen to the Magic: Zendikar Rising

In this episode Gino and "Magic Master" Kyle discuss Zendikar Rising! We cover each color's overrated, underrated, and best cards while also going over the mechanics of the new set. This podcast was recorded before the two rounds of bans that completely reshaped the format, but you can't say our discussion of Omnath was off base!

Episode 132: Going Deep With Bioshock

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Bioshock and Objectivism! We discuss the game's strong personalities, mechanical choices, and philosophical underpinnings. We also discuss how the game depicts the pitfalls of a popular revolution against a government with weapons of mass destruction. It's a real light episode.

WFF Crossover: Avatar The Last Airbender

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em are joined by two of the co-hosts of the Worst Friends Forever Podcast, Emily and Taylor, to discuss Avatar: The Last Airbender. We cover what elements we would each bend, our favorite characters and episodes, and what makes the Avatar setting work so well. We also discuss why the show holds up so well to repeat viewings. You can hear part two of our crossover on Worst Friends Forever  You can follow Emily @ItsEvolkYo You can follow Taylor @TaylorGill...

Episode 131: Divinity: Dragon Commander Wants to Do So Much

In this episode Gino, Pete, Em, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss Divinity: Dragon Commander. We cover the game's fraught history in excruciating detail, break down why the board game is the best playing part of the game, and avoid talking about the RTS combat as much as possible. We also dive into the game's political system and why it didn't especially work for us. If you would like to join the Deep Listens Podcast in supporting the Trans Women of Color Collective, you can do so b...

Deep Dive on Character Development Through Gameplay

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss character building through gameplay, terrible parasites, odd statistics. We try to break down what makes character development through gameplay successful and why it feels so right when it works. We also examine some pitfalls that can occur when developers try to mix mechanics with character traits in unworkable ways. If you would like to join the Deep Listens Podcast in supporting the Trans Women of Color Collective, you can do so by donating her...