Deep Listens

Deep Listens

About

A 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 deeplistenspodcast@gmail.com

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253 episodes

Episode 214: Solving The Murder Of Sonic The Hedgehog

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss The Murder Of Sonic The Hedgehog. We collect the evidence, question the witnesses, and nab the culprit! We don't have to cover Sonic games anymore because that fool is dead! Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 1m
Mar 28
Off The Deep End Episode 45: Ultima IX Ascension (Patreon Special)

Somehow... Jeff has returned. Braden and Chris force him back in front of a microphone to talk about Origin's infamous Ultima IX as a special bonus episode. The three Deep Endists cover such delightful topics as the game's troubled development history, its numerous gameplay problems, and disappointing story. Will they learn what a Paladin is? Does anyone still get that reference? No? I'm sorry. I've failed you all. 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/ Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 28m
Mar 21
Episode 213: A Sonic 06 Book Report... And Dorfromantik

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Project 06 and Dorfromantik! We start the show with Em's book report on the Sonic 06 fan remake, Project 06. After discussing what the heck that game is and isn't we discuss the delightful city building boardgame/video game Dorfromantik! Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

57m
Mar 14
A Whole New World (Of Final Fantasy)

In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff discuss World of Final Fantasy! We cover the game from the beginning of the game to the introduction of Squall in this episode. That means we cover the combat, the honkin' jokes, and the nostalgia plays. 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 and want to commission some of your own, reach out to Tyler at tylerorbin.net http://tylerorbin.net/

1h 46m
Mar 07
Episode 212: Sonic The Hedgehog (06) Patron Debt Paid

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss the wild, broken ride that is Sonic the Hedgehog 2006. We cover the game's unfinished gameplay, recycled levels, bonkers story, and hedgehog/human relations. You monsters wanted this and you got it! Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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  

1h 37m
Feb 29
Off the Deep End Episode 44: King of Dragon Pass and Six Ages

Gather your herds and sharpen your swords to defend against the vile Beaker Ducks, because Braden and ZP are here to discuss weirdo Bronze Age Fantasy Clan Simulator King of Dragon Pass and its successors, Six Ages 1 and 2. They go over the games' worldbuilding, clan management mechanics, and very, very good artwork. Then maybe there's an impromptu GOTY podcast bit at the end, because they thought it'd be funny. 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/ Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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  

1h 14m
Feb 22
Episode 211: Alan Wake Loves His Wife

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Alan Wake. We cover the game's unfortunate flashlight, repetitive combat, and fun TV content. We also try to piece together the ending of the game as best we can. Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 29m
Feb 15
Off the Deep End Episode 43: Fear and Hunger

Stranded, Jeff-less, and lost in the dungeons of Fear and Hunger, Braden, ZP and Borgmaster venture downward to discuss the controversial indie RPG, including thoughts about marriage, violence, and [CONTENT WARNING]. I apologize in advance for this one; it's been like 10 years since I've used audio editing software. Hopefully nothing is broken becuase I'm in charge of editing this thing from now on. 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/ Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

57m
Feb 08
Episode 210: Shadow The Hedgehog Says Swear Words

In this episode Gino, Pete, Em, and Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED- discuss Shadow The Hedgehog! We cover the game's unworkable pace, bizzare plot structure, and poor level design. We also spend a lot of time talking about this game's sheer 2005 energy. There is so much edge here. Nothing but edge as far as the eye can see  Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 4m
Feb 01
Baby's First Final Fantasy: Final Fantasy Mystic Quest

In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff discuss Final Fantasy Mystic Quest. We discuss the game's good accessibility options, great music, and terrible story. If you make a game incredibly accessible but don't bother to write a compelling story or design compelling combat, does the accessibility matter? We wrap up by wranking Mystic Quest 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 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 http://tylerorbin.net/

1h 13m
Jan 25
Episode 209: Who Hunts The Moon Hunters?

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Moon hunters! We cover the game's easy difficulty, unfortunate storytelling, and misused rogue-like design. This is a game that could have been good, but a number of poor design decisions dragged it down. Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 18m
Jan 18
Game of the Year 2023

In 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 2023, Best Comedy, Best Horror, Best Drama, Best Action, Best Adventure, Best Puzzler, 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 Story or Written Dialog, Biggest Indictment of Capitalism, Most Replayable Classic, Best Non-Game, John Paul Sartre Memorial Award for Game That Best Expresses the Ultimate Futility of the Human Condition, Gino's Platypus Award for Game That Should Not Be, ZP's "Help I'm Trapped in Sysiphean Torment" Award, Em's Sheeple Award: Most Wildly Overstated/Overrated, 

2h 29m
Jan 11
Deep Listens Family Twitch Year In Review

In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED- discuss the games they streamed throughout the year! We each give out some awards to the roguelike deckbuilders, adventure games, and horror games that made up the bulk of our online presense this year! Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 27m
Jan 04
Episode 208- Sea of Stars Part 2

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Sea of Stars from the 5th party member to the end of the game! We talk about the game's several twists, true ending, and . Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 59m
Dec 28, 2023
Off the Deep End Episode 42: Hoshi wo Miru Hito (Winter Kusolstice 2023)

Those who Dwell in the Deep End are joined by Bad Game Hall of Fame proprietor Cassidy to discuss Hoshi wo Miru Hito, one of the most infamous Famicom titles. Perhaps we have dug too deeply. 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/ Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 59m
Dec 21, 2023
Off the Deep End Episode 41: Wizards & Warriors

No, not that one. Jeff, Braden, and Chris ride out to meet D.W. Bradley's polygon-based riff on his previous  Wizardry work. Is this an approachable dungeon crawler, or is this the sort of thing that  would wind up getting stealth released on GOG years later for $6? And just where does this  rank on the OTDE Big List?  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/ Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 19m
Dec 14, 2023
Episode 207: Sea of Stars- Part 1

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Sea of Stars from the beginning of the game to the introduction of the 5th party member! We talk about the game's awesome music, twist on classic JRPG combat, and interesting/uninteresting party members. Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 56m
Dec 07, 2023
Final Fantasy Unlimited Was Made Under Duress

In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff discuss Final Fantasy Unlimited. We watched all 25 episodes of this oft forgotten TV series and, boy, do we have takes. Learn the history of this forsaken show, marvel at the lack of plot, and look out for the return of a familiar villain! We wrap up by placing Final Fantasy Unlimited 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 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 http://tylerorbin.net/

1h 52m
Nov 30, 2023
Episode 206: Religious Metaphors Are Afoot In BOSSGAME The Final Boss Is My Heart

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss BOSSGAME The Final Boss Is My Heart. We cover the game's religious and trans metaphors, outstanding combat system, and helpful accessibility options.  Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 10m
Nov 23, 2023
Final Fantasy XV With The Fellas: Part 2 - The Grand Final-e!

In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff discuss from chapter 6 to the end of Final Fantasy XV. We cover how the game's story goes off the rails, the disappointing set piece battles, and the big conclusion of FFXV. We wrap up by placing FFXV 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 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 http://tylerorbin.net/

2h 53m
Nov 16, 2023
Episode 205: World Of Goo Has Got Metaphors

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss World of Goo! We cover the game's goo-based metaphors, fun physics puzzles, and level design restraint. Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

50m
Nov 09, 2023
Balls Deep: 2024 NBA Season Kickoff

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss the end of the 2023 NBA season, the NBA CHAMPION DENVER NUGGEST, the Kings, the neverending drama Philly (war never changes), and 2024 season predictions. Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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 http://tylerorbin.net/

1h 22m
Nov 02, 2023
Off the Deep End Episode 40: Anthem

Just as assuredly as the Anthem of Creation reverberates in the hearts of the half a dozen other people alive today still playing this game, the Deep End Boys have returned from the Heart of Rage (along with special guest Borgmaster from the fifthgengaming.blog) to share our tales of 90 minute world instances, pointless microtransactions, and the most expensive cutscenes you've never seen. 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/ Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

2h 7m
Oct 26, 2023
Episode 204: Roll Me Away Katamari Damacy!

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Katamari Damacy! We cover the game's incredible mechanics, delightful music, and outstanding art. This might be the best game we've played all year. Please play Katamari. Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 2m
Oct 18, 2023
Final Fantasy XV With The Fellas: Part 1

In this episode Gino and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss the first 6 and a half chapters of Final Fantasy XV. Unfortunately Jeff was sick and could not make the recording. We cover the game's combat, baffling story choices, and MMO style quests. This game is just so strange. 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 and want to commission some of your own, reach out to Tyler at tylerorbin.net http://tylerorbin.net/

1h 38m
Oct 12, 2023
Episode 203: CRPG Me Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire!

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em dip their feet into CRPGs with Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire! We discuss the game's many mechanics, well-written script, and fun story. We also horrify a special guest by guessing what happened in PoE 1! Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 46m
Oct 05, 2023
Off the Deep End Ep. 38: BioMotor Unitron and Towers (The Series?)

We dip into the Patreon and/or Other Supporters Bucket and pull out a quintessential Neo Geo Pocket Color RPG from the age of first gen Pokemon clones. And just to fill time, we also cover the entire history of an obscure American microcomputer series which wound up in the Game Boy Color. Somehow.  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/ Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 20m
Sep 28, 2023
Join The Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV

In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-. and Jeff Rud discuss Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV. We discuss the story and history of this anime series, how essential the plot is to FFXV, and how many mediocre FFXV properties there are. We finish up by ranking Brotherhood: FFXV 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 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

1h 12m
Sep 21, 2023
Episode 202: We Solve The Case Of The Golden Idol

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss The Case Of The Golden Idol! We discuss the game's novel puzzles, early 90s art style, and fun plot! Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate 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

1h 15m
Sep 14, 2023
Off the Deep End Ep. 38: Panzer Dragoon Saga

We've plunked down thousands of very real American dollars, just trust us, to have a look at the mythical saga of dragon panzers. Did Team Andromeda single handedly rescue the Sega Saturn from its ignoble fate while vaulting over rival Sqauresoft? Of course they did, that's why there's a Sega Saturn 2.   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/   Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate   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    

2h 12m
Sep 07, 2023