PODCAST · leisure
Deep Listens
by 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 [email protected]
Episodes
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FFVII Rebirth - Part 1
In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff discuss Final Fantasy VII Rebirth from the beginning of the game to the end of Junon. We cover the game's combat system, overwhelming open world, and streeeeetched oooouuuuuttt story. Do you want to play a game that takes 4 hours of a…
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Episode 273: Mixtape
This week Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Mixtape. We cover the game's coming of age story, amount of interactivity, and relatively low stakes story. We also discuss the wider discourse around the game and where we come down on the love/hate spectrum. We wrap up by discussing the game's soundtrack and...
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Off the Deep End Episode 78: Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library and the Monster Seal
Now that Adam "Borgmaster" [REDACTED] is back, Off the Deep End can finish The Summer of Sting with Dungeon Travelers 2, a game that definitely won't get anyone here put on a list. Topics discussed include Sting's modern output up to the current day, the wide variety of anime pervert dungeon...
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Episode 272: Zero Parades For Dead Spies-Part 2
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Zero Parades: For Dead Spies! We cover from the start of the real mission until the end of the game. Spoilers abound! Our topics include our favorite characters, the bleak tone of the game, and some ruminations on what the game was trying to say. Is the...
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Balls Deep: 2026 NBA Awards, Offseason, And Clippers Madness
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss the 2026 NBA end of season awards and check in on their predictions. They also discuss their favorite teams' offseasons. Finally, they turn their attention to the absolute cinema that is the breakdown and punishment of the LA...
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Episode 271: Zero Parades For Dead Spies-Part 1
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Zero Parades: For Dead Spies! We cover from the start of the game until the main character actually figures out what their mission is. Our topics include the drama surrounding this game's development, the mechanical overlap with Disco Elysium, the game's...
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Off the Deep End Episode 77: Knights in the Nightmare
Summer isn't over just yet, and Off the Deep End encounters the most indescribable video game they've played so far! That's right, Braden and Chris are once again joined by Reki to try and discuss Sting's cult classic(?) bullet-hell SRPG hybrid Knights in the Nightmare. Listen as three adult men…
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Chariots of the Pods Ep. 18
Join Adam, Tyler, Jason, and Justin as they get flung around the universe with Stargate SG-1. This time they get started on season 4 by covering the episodes "Small Victories", "The Other Side", "Upgrades", and "Crossroads". Join them as they come to terms with post-Soviet lego space bugs, space...
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Off the Deep End Episode 76: Yggdra Union and Gungnir
Summer isn't over just yet! There's still time for more esoteric weirdo games developed by Sting with your friends at Off the Deep End. This time, Braden and Chris have brought Reki along to talk about two very different, very bizarre PSP strategy games. Listen as three adult men try their best…
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Episode 270: Mini Metro Mania!
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Mini Metro! We discuss the game's elegant art style, simple mechanics, and endless replayability before diving into our own pocket strategies. We also complain about real-world transit systems we dislike. We wrap things up with a Train quiz! If you've…
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Deep Dive: Return To Silent Hill With VoidBurger!
In this episode Gino and Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED- are joined by Jess "VoidBurger" O'Brien to discuss Return To Silent Hill! We cover this film from the James in a convertible start to the James in a very bad beard end. It's difficult to articulate all the ways this movie messes up the...
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Deep Interview: Discussing Denshattack! With 2 Mello
In this episode Gino interviews one of the composers of the soundtrack of Denshattack!, friend of the show 2 Mello! We discuss how it feels to work on a game that so clearly fit his musical style. We also discuss how collaborating with Miyachi worked on his song "Ride With Me" and how he composed...
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Episode 269: Prepare To Denshattack!
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Denshattack! We cover the game's outstanding style, surprisingly managable speed, and fun train tricks. We also discuss the surprisingly in-depth and engaging story. We wrap up by discussing whether the game is Cyberpunk or Hopepunk. If you've been...
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Off the Deep End Episode 75: Baroque
The Summer of Sting heats up with another spicy obscure video game, and this time Off the Deep End drags Jeff Rud back in front of a microphone to talk all about it! How much "Big Saturn Energy" can one video game exude? How does Baroque stack up in the context of modern Roguelike video games?...
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Episode 268: We All Have Crabs In Another Crab's Treasure
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Another Crab's Treasure! We cover the game's simplified souls-like gameplay, Banjo-Kazooie-esque collecting, and revolutionary story. And I mean that literally! Turns out this cute game is about violent politican and social upheval! It really goes…
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Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis Still Exists... For Now
In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff discuss Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis. they discuss the game's unfortunate gacha systems, its rehashed stories, and its zany character costumes. This episode was recorded before the news about the planned end date for Ever Crisis so…
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Episode 267: Everyone Loves Animal Fighting In Pokemon Champions And Everything Is Crab!
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Pokemon Champions and Everything Is Crab! We start off by checking back in on Pokemon Champions to find that not much has changed since Em last played it. Then we discuss the evolutionary roguelite Everything Is Crab! We discuss the fairly narrow build...
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Off the Deep End Episode 74: Riviera: The Promised Land
Chris and Braden are joined by special guest GabrielCantor to discuss the inaugural game of The Summer of Sting. If you wanted discussion about yet another semi-obscure GBA RPG with weird streamlined mechanics, they've got you covered! Along the way, important questions are discussed, such as...
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Episode 266: Mina The Hollower Finally Came Out!
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Mina the Hollower! We cover the game's Gameboy Color art direction and gameplay before diving into what makes the game so good... the diving! We also discuss the game's surprisingly deep story and our favorite gameplay styles. And no episode would be...
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All Hands On Deck: Episode 6
Gino "ThatPinguino" Grieco and Braden "ArbitraryWater" REDACTED join forces to talk about the hottest genre to hit the indie scene in the last ten years. No, they're not talking about cozy farming games or boomer shooters, instead they're talking about deckbuilders! If you've ever played Slay the...
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Episode 265: Titan Souls Should Inspire Something Better
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Titan Souls! We discuss the game's unique one hit kill design decision, frustrating archery mechanic, and barren world. We also discuss why this game was likely great in demos and game jam testing, but doesn't work well as a full game. There's also a…
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Off the Deep End Episode 73: Lost Odyssey
Chris and Braden are joined by special guest Joey "Joeku" [REDACTED] to talk about the cult classic 2008 RPG Lost Odyssey! Will this be the game that catapults the Xbox 360 into Japanese market relevancy? No? Well, in any case, our crew discusses Mistwalker, the state of the genre in the late…
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Episode 264: Knock Knock Knockin' On Death's Door
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Death's Door! We discuss what genre we think the game fits in, the game's excellent action, and it's beautiful music. We then list our favorite Zelda items and discuss whether there are many new item types to make in games like this. If you've been...
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GBCER XVI: We All Learned Something This Year!
In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED- debried all that they did for the XVIth Giant Bomb Community Endurance Run! The event ran in early April and raised money for Pencils of Promise, a charity that builds schools, trains teachers, and sends…
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Chariots of the Pods: Episode 17
Join Adam, Tyler, Jason, and Justin as they traipse through Stargate SG-1. In this installment they close out season 3 by covering the episodes "New Ground", "Maternal Instinct", "Crystal Skull", and "Nemesis". Join the crew as they contemplate Richard Ian Cox, zen force powers, radiation...
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Episode 263: We Catch Pathologic Too
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED- discuss Pathologic 2. We cover the game's truely one of a kind story and setting as well as its unforgiving difficulty. We also talk throught the game's survival elements and odd bartering economy. Does difficulty make this game's story...
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We're trying to be Pokemon Champions
Braden, Em, and Chris convene to discuss Pokemon Champions, the new free-to-play competitive Pokemon client. Listen as they agonize over their attempts to be the very best, their hang ups with the game's current limitations, and Braden's steadfast refusal to field a Garchomp. Please consider...
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Off the Deep End Episode 72: Breath of Fire Dragon Quarter
With Adam "Borgmaster" [REDACTED] on assignment, it's up to Braden and Chris to handle the last Breath of Fire on their own. They discuss the game's divisive reputation, its unique aesthetics, and even more unique semi-roguelike structure. Is it a hidden gem that was ahead of its time or was it...
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Episode 262: Like A Dragon, Touched For The Very First Time
In this episode Gino, Em, and Pete play their first Yakuza game, Yakuza: Like a Dragon! We cover the game's bonkers story, classic JRPG combat, and rediculous characters. We also cover the game's ability to highlight marginalized people while also making violence the answer to almost every…
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Final Fantasy Fourever: The After Years - Part 2: The Grand Final-e
In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff discuss Final Fantasy IV: The After Years! We cover all of the stories after Ceodore's as well as the ridiculous ending of this game. If you were thinking "I want FFIV combat and not much else," boy, do we have the game for you! Please...
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Chariots of the Pods: Episode 16
Join Adam, Tyler. Jason, and Justin as they venture through Stargate SG-1. In this episode they continue deeper into Season 3 with the episodes "Pretense", "Urgo", "A Hundred Days", and "Shades of Grey". Join along as they deal with such topics as wearable RGBs, Dom Deluise, rustic romance, and…
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Episode 261: We Dated Everything and Need Some Space
Swipe left, swipe right, it's time for Deep Listens to date every single household object they can find with our magic glasses! Braden, Chris, and Adam discuss Sassy Chap Games' Date Everything, its writing, and how much of it is just a bunch of LA-based voice actors doing funny bits with their...
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Off the Deep End Episode 71: Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Are you ready for the thunder? Are you ready for the Vengeance? Are you ready to fuse dieties of your favorite religion with dieties of other religions? SMT: V: Vengence has you covered on all of the above. The OTDE crew* have you covered, as they always do, on all things obscure RPG. Please...
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All Hands On Deck: Episode 5- Slay The Spire 2!
In this episode Gino and Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED- discuss Slay the Spire 2! We cover the game as it curently stands a week into early access. That means a lot of discussion of the 5 current characters and their archetypes, how the game differs or doesn't from the original Slay the…
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Episode 260: Forager Makes Us Question The Act Of Foraging
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Forager! We cover the game's quick crafting ramp up, compulsive gameplay loop, and click-happy interface. We also discuss why we play games that ask us to forage and build. Please consider donating to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota:...
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Chariots of the Pods: Episode 15
Join Adam, Tyler, Jason, and Justin as they continue through Stargate SG-1. This time, they're looking at the season 3 episodes "Past and Present", "Jolinar's Memories", "The Devil You Know", and "Foothold". Listen along as they come to grips with boning Grandma Space Hitler, going to hell…
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Off the Deep End Episode 70: Fire Emblem Genealogy of the Holy War
With Borgmaster on assignment, it's up to Braden and Chris to discuss the fourth game in the Fire Emblem series, in a way that only two FE old heads with a lot of baggage are able to. You'll learn far more than you ever wanted to about Genealogy's mechanics, character pairing, story, and map…
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Episode 259: Play Skate Story
In this episode Gino and Pete are running a 2 man game with Em out sick. We cover Skate Story in it's entirety, from the glass and pain to the moon eating. Yeah, those are things that happen in this skateboarding video game. We also discuss the game's excellent style and soundtrack before turning...
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Chariots of the Pods: Episode 14
Join Adam, Tyler, Jason, and Justin as they travel through the hit 90s sci-fi show, Stargate SG-1. In this installment, they discuss the season 3 episodes "Deadman Switch", "Demons", "Rules of Engagement", and "Forever in a Day". Tag along with the crew as they are confounded by endless snark, a...
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Final Fantasy Fourever: The After Years - Part 1
In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff discuss Final Fantasy IV: The After Years! We cover FFIV: Interlude and its completely forgetable story and gameplay before discussing The After Years and its completely forgetable story and gameplay! We cover Ceodore's story and then...
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Amateur Hour: 2026 Season In Review
In this episode of Amateur Hour Adam "Borgmaster" -REDACTED-, Tyler "Grav" -REDACTED-, and Gino discuss how their NFL playoff predictions fared and discuss The Big Game! We also check in on the models and make an announcement about the future of Amateur Hour. Please consider donating to the...
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Episode 258: Infinity Nikki Is The Kingdom Hearts Of Breath Of The Wilds
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Infinity Nikki! We cover the game's fun platforming, overwhelming gacha elements, and delightful dress-up mechanics. We also ponder whether a game about dress up is de facto for sickos or not. We wrap up with a suprise quiz by Em: Infinity Nikki or…
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Off the Deep End Episode 69: Racing Lagoon
Off the Deep End is ready to drive through the streets of Yokohama in search of speed, but to do that they'll need to play the Japan-only Squaresoft RPG Racing Lagoon. Will they be able to [GET REWARDS] and feel [THE HEAT] on their way to becoming [CRAAAZY DRIVERS]? There's only one way to find...
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Chariots of the Pods: Episode 13
Join Adam, Tyler, Jason, and Justin on their trip through Stargate SG-1 as they recount their time with the season 3 episodes "Fair Game", "Legacy", "Learning Curve", and "Point of View". Follow along with the crew as the make sense of brain bugs; getting into a love triangle with yourself; the…
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Episode 257: We All Need To 1000xRESIST
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss 1000xRESIST! We cover the game's very topical story which includes critiques of fascism and Asian moms! The year of mean mommys continues! We also dwell on whether this game has the most compact cyberpunk moment in and game we've played before doing...
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All Hands On Deck: Episode 4
Gino "ThatPinguino" Grieco and Braden "ArbitraryWater" REDACTED join forces to talk about the hottest genre to hit the indie scene in the last ten years. No, they're not talking about cozy farming games or boomer shooters, instead they're talking about deckbuilders! If you've ever played Slay the...
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Chariots of the Pods: Episode 12
Journey through the gate with Adam, Tyler, Jason, and Justin as they go through the end of season 2 and beginning of season 3 of Stargate SG-1 with the episodes "1969", "Out of Mind", "Into the Fire", and "Seth." Join them as they grapple with such lighthearted topics as a bad German accent, lazy...
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Episode 256: Planet Zoo And A Pop Quiz!
In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Planet Zoo! We cover the game's unintuative controls, outstanding scope, and the ethics of zoos. We then find out which host knows the most animal fact! Come for Gino talking about petting a penguin and stay to find out which animal trades sex for…
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Amateur Hour: The Playoffs and The Big Game 2026
In this episode of Amateur Hour Adam "Borgmaster" -REDACTED-, Tyler "Grav" -REDACTED-, and Gino discuss the upcoming NFL playoffs! We discuss our favorite teams and the coaching turnover before turning to the various matchups of the playoffs. We then make our predictions all the way up to The Big...
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Game of the Year 2025
In this episode Gino, Pete, Em, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, Braden "ArbitraryWater" -REDACTED-, Adam "Borgmaster" -REDACTED-, and Jeff Rud debate the games we played this year for our annual Trenchies! The categories this year are: Game of the Year 2025, Best Comedy, Best Horror, Best Drama…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 [email protected]
HOSTED BY
Deep Listens
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Deep Listens have?
Deep Listens currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is 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...
How often does Deep Listens release new episodes?
Deep Listens has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Deep Listens?
You can listen to Deep Listens on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Deep Listens?
Deep Listens is created and hosted by Deep Listens.
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