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
Final Fantasy by the Dozen: Part Two
October 31, 2018 11:46 - 1 hour - 54 MBIn this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and special guest Matt "Rorie" Rorie discuss Final Fantasy XII from the waterways to the Skyship Shiva.
Episode 82: The Messenger and Cliches
October 24, 2018 23:37 - 1 hour - 32.2 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Billy discuss The Messenger, Chrono Cross, Chinese Buffets, and Recurring video game storytelling cliches.
Balls Deep: 2018-2019 Season Preview
October 17, 2018 02:12 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss the upcoming NBA season and make predictions about the worst team, playoff teams, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Most Improved Player, MVP, and NBA Champion.
Episode 81: Don't Pull That Chrono Trigger!
October 10, 2018 00:15 - 1 hour - 40.2 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Billy discuss Chrono Trigger, entertaining NBA teams, and return to environmental allegories. We talk about our favorite Chrono Trigger characters, the depth of the combat system, and all of the sidequests that are easily miss-able.
Listen to the Magic: Guilds of Ravnica
October 02, 2018 15:22 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBIn this episode Gino and Kyle discuss the cards and mechanics of Guilds of Ravnica and plant their flags on some of the over and underrated cards of the set.
Episode 80: The Minit Minute
September 25, 2018 22:07 - 58 minutes - 26.8 MBIn this episode Gino, Billy, and Pete take some listener emails, fix their terrible oversight from the Castlevania podcast, and discuss Minit!
Listen to the Magic: MTGO vs MTGA
September 19, 2018 01:08 - 1 hour - 41.2 MBIn this episode Gino and Magic Master Kyle discuss the two dominant forms of online Magic: The Gathering and compare and contrast MTG Online and MTG Arena. We break down the accuracy of the software's reproduction of the paper game, the barriers to entry, the sustainablity of the in-game economies, and the level of competition on each platform.
Episode 79: Castlevania, more like Camp-levania! Am I right?
September 13, 2018 00:05 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Billy are joined by super-fan Grandon to discuss Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. We discuss the game's many paths to brokenness, campy dialog, and drop charts. Oh the drop charts. We also take one of the most absurd emails ever sent to the show by man or beast.
Final Fantasy by the Dozen: Part One
September 05, 2018 03:25 - 2 hours - 64.3 MBIn this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- and, Screened/ Giantbomb's own Matt Rorie discuss the opening hours of Final Fantasy XII, true Ape Escape cannon, game guide writing, and the differences between original FFXII and the new Zodiac Age re-release. We go very deep on systems this time! Also, someone please teach ZP about if, else statements!
Episode 78: The Bureaucracy of the Afterlife in Flipping Death
August 28, 2018 02:09 - 1 hour - 36.2 MBIn this episode Gino, Billy, and Pete discuss what animals they could survive an attack from, the dollar value of games, and the charming story of Flipping Death.
WFF Crossover Episode: Lollapalooza and Gaming Drama
August 22, 2018 02:28 - 59 minutes - 27.1 MBIn this episode Gino is joined by his wife, Jen, and Emily of the Worst Friends Forever podcast to discuss this year's Lollapalooza, music festivals, weird concert experiences, and the Ninja controversy that no one is talking about.
Episode 77: Short Story Games with Sisyphus Reborn and Port of Call
August 15, 2018 03:02 - 1 hour - 41.9 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Billy take some listener emails, discuss Sisyphus Reborn and Port of Call, and debate whether games can replicate the experience of a short story.
Listen to the Magic... D&D?
August 10, 2018 02:48 - 58 minutes - 26.6 MBIn this episode Gino, Billy, and Devin discuss the upcoming fantasy mashup: Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica. We discuss how MTG and D&D might blend in this upcoming D&D expansion. We also guess D&D spell or MTG spell and talk about our favorite guilds.
Episode 76: Entering the Gungeon with Bullet Billy and Pistol Pete
August 01, 2018 02:20 - 1 hour - 40 MBIn this episode Gino, Billy, and Pete take conflicting listener feedback about the lore of the Ape Escape franchise, try ti figure out how many rounds Billy could take in a fight with a chimp, and discuss the many guns of Enter the Gungeon
ZP Made Me Do It: My Horse Prince
July 25, 2018 02:59 - 1 hour - 30.1 MBIn this episode Gino and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss horse dating and Pootie Tang. I don't think anything else needs to be said.
Episode 75: Ape Escape 2 is Bananas
July 17, 2018 21:26 - 1 hour - 29.7 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and a returning Billy discuss Ape Escape 2. We discuss whether the apes are the real heroes of Ape Escape 2, our favorite members of the Freaky Monkey Five, and how much Ape Escape loves the analog sticks. Billy also opens up about some of the things he's been dealing with during his hiatus.
Final Fantasy Friday the XIIIth Part Four- The Grand Final-e
July 10, 2018 02:23 - 2 hours - 80.1 MBIn this episode Gino and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss chapters 11, 12, and 13 of Final Fantasy XIII. We answer a listener question on how we would fix the game. We then lament the game's terrible pacing, stale combat, nonsensical story, paper-thin characters, dead world, bland soundtrack, and on and on it goes. The only question that remains about FFXIII is whether it's the worst FF game of all time...
Listen to the Magic: Core Set 2019
July 06, 2018 02:24 - 1 hour - 32.7 MBIn this episode Gino and Kyle discuss Core Set 2019 and some of their favorite cards, most underrated cards, and decks they plan to try.
Episode 74: The Many Great Characters of Night in the Woods
July 06, 2018 02:22 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Noelle discuss Night in the Woods, mental health, amazing world building, and astrology.
Balls Deep: NBA Finals and Draft Edition
June 27, 2018 02:19 - 1 hour - 45 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- take some listener questions, discuss the NBA Finals, and the NBA Draft.
Episode 73: Threads of Fate and The Rashomon Effect
June 20, 2018 00:50 - 1 hour - 52.2 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete and Noelle discuss Threads of Fate's duel narrative structure, memorable characters, and Postmodernism! We compare the stories of Mint: the spunky girl, and Rue: the sad boy. We debate who is the best supporting cast member from among a very strong crop of character of the year contenders. And we wrap up by discussing how the game might question objective truth! It's a good one folks!
Final Fantasy Friday the XIIIth Part Three
June 12, 2018 21:19 - 1 hour - 49.7 MBIn this episode Gino and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss chapters 4-10 of Final Fantasy XIII and answer some listener emails. There are so many chapters and so little happens. Help.
Episode 72: Little Inferno is Bleak
June 06, 2018 22:49 - 1 hour - 27.9 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Noelle discuss Little Inferon. Pete gets to indulge in some critiques of capitalism, as he's wont to do. We also answer some listener emails.
Balls Deep: NBA Finals Edition
June 05, 2018 00:47 - 1 hour - 31.6 MBIn this inagural sports-based bonus podcast, Gino, Pete, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- put on their fake GM caps, discuss the first game of the NBA finals, and make predictions about how quickly the Warriors will dispatch the Cavs.
ZP Made Me Do It: FTL
May 30, 2018 17:02 - 1 hour - 33.3 MBIn this episode Gino and "Pete" discuss FTL: Faster Than Light, ZP's terrible NBA Finals predictions, and lament FFXIII. We cover the many races and ships of FTL, the balance of it's final boss, and how the game manages to stay so engaging while being so unfair.
Episode 71: Brutal Legend is All of the Things at Once
May 22, 2018 17:49 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBIn this episode Gino, Billy, and Pete discuss Brutal Legend and take a bunch of listener emails. We discuss the pitch perfect setting of Brutal Legend, what other genres of music could support an entire game, and where the game's multiple systems might have been stretched too thin. Next episode will be Little Inferno!
Final Fantasy Friday the XIIIth Part Two
May 16, 2018 21:25 - 1 hour - 48 MBIn this episode Gino and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss chapters 2-3 of Final Fantasy XIII and do a deep dive on the leveling and combat system in the game. We also take some emails, discuss the NBA playoffs, and lament all of the better FF games we could be playing.
Episode 70: Trine is the Most 2009 Game
May 09, 2018 03:13 - 1 hour - 31.6 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Billy take a bunch of listener feedback, discuss Trine 1, and reflect on three years of Deep Listens.
Final Fantasy Friday the XIIIth Part 1
May 02, 2018 02:38 - 1 hour - 39.7 MBIn this episode Gino and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss the GBCER, take NBA questions from listeners, and discuss the first three hours of Final Fantasy XIII. We don't even leave the first leve. We can't even level up after three hours. Who made this game this way and why?
Episode 69: Working the Boarder in Papers, Please
April 28, 2018 12:23 - 1 hour - 36.3 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Billy discuss Papers, Please. We take a bunch of feedback before diving into the terrifying banality of evil contained within Papers, Please. Pete brings some heavy readings to the table including Necropolitics. We wrap up by discussing how Billy's history as an employee at a much lower-key ID checkpoint altered his interpretation of the game and discussing the Papers, Please short film. Next up: Trine!
Listen to the Magic: Dominaria
April 27, 2018 17:01 - 53 minutes - 24.6 MBIn this episode we welcome back former Pro-Tour Participant Kyle to discuss Dominaria. We cover Dominaria limited, Standard-standouts, and potential Modern playables.
PAX 2018 Recap
April 18, 2018 02:44 - 1 hour - 33.1 MBIn this episode Gino and Billy discuss the games and panels that stood out to them during their time at PAX 2018.
Episode 68: Kirby 64 Has Mine Carts
April 11, 2018 00:59 - 59 minutes - 27.2 MBIn this episode Gino, Pete, and Billy discuss the delightful Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. Next week we'll be discussing Papers, Please!
Final Foiling: Time To talk About the FF Trading Card Game
March 29, 2018 13:18 - 1 hour - 42.5 MBIn this episode Gino and Chris "ZompiePie" -REDACTED- discuss the Final Fantasy Trading Card Game. We start out with some GBCER announcements and listener feedback before pivoting to the FF TCG. Chris takes exception to the fact that the FF TCG is a trading card game while Gino delves into the specifics of what separates the FF TCG from it's clear progenitor: Magic: The Gathering. We wrap up by ranking the FF TCG among all of the Final Fantasy games.
Episode 67: Big Appreciation for Little Nightmares
March 20, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 38.4 MBIn this Episode Gino, Billy, and Pete discuss Little Nightmares. We start the show with some feedback and GBCER follow up announcements. We then discuss the setting of Little Nightmares and how it's character models and framing manage to convey an overall sense of dread. We wrap up with some high-level reading of what Six's journey through The Maw might mean.
Giant Bomb Community Endurance Run VIII Announcement Episode
March 14, 2018 03:30 - 1 hour - 27.6 MBIn this episode Gion, Billy, and Pete are joined by fellow endurance runners Chris "Zombiepie" -REDACTED, Anthony "Amlabella" Labella, Nickieroonie, and Personz to talk about the upcoming Giant Bomb Community Endurance Run on April 20th-22nd. Each of our participants lay out their plans or the show and some of the cool donation incentives you can donate towards! That includes one provided by this very show! The person who donates the most and includes a comment asking Deep Listens to play a ...
Episode 66: A Story About My Uncle and Slow Violence
March 07, 2018 23:42 - 1 hour - 30.7 MBIn this episode Gino, Billy, and Pete discuss A Story About My Uncle. We cover how the game leads with story and then rips that story away in favor of first person platforming. We then discuss how the game's level design quickly shuttles the player from mechanic to mechanic without allowing much time for mastery. Pete then brings some literature into the picture by describing how the game's setting recalls "Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor" by Rob Nixon. Also we talk about ...
A Slow Discussion About Speed Runs
February 28, 2018 03:31 - 1 hour - 33.1 MBIn this Episode Gino, Billy, and Pete discuss speed running and why it's so popular. We start out by talking about our personal experiences with speed running. We then move on to discussing what makes different kinds of speed runs entertaining to watch and how different speed runs change how we understand games. We finish up by discussing the history of speed runs and the community that has sprung up around them.
Episode 65: Saints Row: The Third and Foucault
February 20, 2018 17:40 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBIn this episode Gino, Billy, and Pete discuss Saints Row: the Third and all the insanity therein. We discuss the game's wild opening, rough first third, and excellent back half. We dive deep into the game's worst mission, the Ho Boat, and examine how surprisingly excellent the game's satire of militarized policing is 7 years after its release. Pete even brings some moral philosophy to the topic by examining the game through the perspective of Foucault.
Back to Basics with Final Fantasy I: Part 2- The Grand Final-e
February 13, 2018 18:20 - 1 hour - 44.7 MBIn this episode, Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff Rud discuss battling the Four Fiends of Final Fantasy I, the moment when the game became trivial, and the conflict with the game's final boss. We start by responding to audience feedback and ZP hurts himself with Vienna Sausages again. We then cover how much status effects warp the difficulty curve in FFI, how the airship completely changes the game, and how the class change is the highlight of the game. We finish up by placing FF...
Episode 64: Bayonetta and Judith Butler
February 06, 2018 19:17 - 1 hour - 51 MBIn this episode Gino, Billy, and Pete discuss the nutzo-wutzo spectacle that is Bayonetta. We begin by discussing the finer points of Bayonetta's stylish combat system and disect some of the glitches that allow you to tear the game apart. We then transition to one of the more on-brand Deep Listens discussions we've had in a while: Pete brings some notes on Judith Butler to dissect the depiction of gender in Bayonetta. We finish up by discussing the game's combat rating system and some the mo...
Deep Interview: Discussing Game Design Colleges with M and Tyler
January 30, 2018 19:28 - 1 hour - 28.4 MBIn this episode Gino sits down with game design college graduates M Palladino and Tyler Morgan to discuss their journeys through NYU's game design program and The Guild Hall. We discuss what it takes to get into a game design program, what those programs entail, and what lessons M and Tyler learned during their times in school. We then talk about the costs and job prospects facing people who opt to take this path to the game industry. We finish up with rapid-fire questions as always! You c...
Episode 63: Brothers is a Series of Beautiful Gut Punches
January 23, 2018 16:45 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBIn this episode Gino, Billy, and Pete discuss Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. We cover the game's unique control scheme and how it manages to make rubbing your belly and patting your head at the same time work for a few hours. We then discuss the game's great environments and wordless character building. We wrap up by discussing how effectively Brothers addresses loss, it's not so subtle misogyny, and how it mechanizes moving on.
Back to Basics with Final Fantasy I: Part 1
January 17, 2018 17:56 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBIn this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and special guest Jeff Rud get together to discuss Final Fantasy I. It's back to basics for us! We start the show by ranking FFX-2 Last Mission in our pantheon of FF games (spoilers: it's not a good game!). We then discuss the historical context of FFI and the games that came out around it. We finish up by diving deep on the first few hours of FFI.
Deep Interview: Chatting US Nationals and Rivals of Ixalan with Alex
January 13, 2018 15:46 - 1 hour - 29 MBIn this episode Gino talks to Alex -REDACTED- about his time as a competitive Magic: the Gahtering player. We discuss his strong finish at US Nationals and the Columbus STG Open. We then pivot to discussing Rivals of Ixalan cards that have us excited. We wrap up with some rapid fire questions!
Episode 62: Cuphead Sure is Pretty
January 10, 2018 03:38 - 1 hour - 40.5 MBIn this episode Billy, Gino, and Pete discuss Cuphead! We discuss the game's sometimes frustrating mechanics, beautiful art, and excellent character design. We then discuss how a game that references art that predates our grandparents can still make us feel nostalgia.