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    Deep Listens

    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
    en100 Episodes

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    Episodes (100)

    A Whole New World (Of Final Fantasy)

    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

    Episode 212: Sonic The Hedgehog (06) Patron Debt Paid

    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

     

    Off the Deep End Episode 44: King of Dragon Pass and Six Ages

    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

     

    Deep Listens
    enFebruary 22, 2024

    Episode 211: Alan Wake Loves His Wife

    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

    Deep Listens
    enFebruary 15, 2024

    Off the Deep End Episode 43: Fear and Hunger

    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

    Deep Listens
    enFebruary 08, 2024

    Episode 210: Shadow The Hedgehog Says Swear Words

    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

    Baby's First Final Fantasy: Final Fantasy Mystic Quest

    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

    Episode 209: Who Hunts The Moon Hunters?

    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

    Deep Listens
    enJanuary 18, 2024

    Game of the Year 2023

    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, Jeff's Old Game CommendationBraden "ArbitraryWater" REDACTED presents the Dubious Championship League, and Game of Our 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

    Deep Listens Family Twitch Year In Review

    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

    Deep Listens
    enJanuary 04, 2024

    Episode 208- Sea of Stars Part 2

    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 game juice.

    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

    Deep Listens
    enDecember 28, 2023

    Off the Deep End Episode 42: Hoshi wo Miru Hito (Winter Kusolstice 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

    Off the Deep End Episode 41: Wizards & Warriors

    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

    Deep Listens
    enDecember 14, 2023

    Episode 207: Sea of Stars- Part 1

    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

    Deep Listens
    enDecember 07, 2023

    Final Fantasy Unlimited Was Made Under Duress

    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

    Episode 206: Religious Metaphors Are Afoot In BOSSGAME The Final Boss Is My Heart

    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

    Deep Listens
    enNovember 23, 2023

    Final Fantasy XV With The Fellas: Part 2 - The Grand Final-e!

    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

    Deep Listens
    enNovember 16, 2023

    Episode 205: World Of Goo Has Got Metaphors

    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

    Deep Listens
    enNovember 09, 2023

    Balls Deep: 2024 NBA Season Kickoff

    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

    Deep Listens
    enNovember 02, 2023

    Off the Deep End Episode 40: Anthem

    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

    Deep Listens
    enOctober 26, 2023