Cousin Game (feat. Detective Instinct, Sektori, and Dragon Quest II)

Cousin Game (feat. Detective Instinct, Sektori, and Dragon Quest II)

Author: Stephen Hilger + Brendon Bigley December 3, 2025 Duration: 1:29:17

We're bringing a whole new meaning to the idea of "cousin games."

Follow Jack Kentala and check out his debut novel Meet Me In The Gameroom at https://www.jackkentala.com!


Discussed: Changing up the intro, the Discord GOTY poll, Detective Instinct: Farewell, My Beloved, the structure of visual novels and adventure games, Sektori, the overlap between roguelikes and the arcade, Spike-Likes, the Vita, Dragon Quest II, silent protagonists who want to talk, the appeal of the Erdrick Trilogy remakes, Brendon’s Persona 4 purgatory 

Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.online
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Follow Stephen Hilger: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenhilger.bsky.social 
Follow Brendon Bigley: https://bsky.app/profile/bb.wavelengths.online
Produced by AJ Fillari: https://bsky.app/profile/ajfillari.bsky.social
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Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/
Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/
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Timecodes:

  • (00:00) - Intro
  • (01:07) - Check out the GOTY poll in the Discord!
  • (02:06) - Detective Instinct: Farewell, My Beloved | Back to games
  • (28:14) - Break
  • (28:15) - Tiding from Aaron to Mel!
  • (29:11) - Sektori | Brendon Sickley
  • (54:05) - Break
  • (55:13) - Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake | The only regular segment on the show
  • (01:23:37) - Wrapping up
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Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:
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Looking for a video game podcast that feels more like a conversation between friends than a formal review show? Into the Aether-A Low Key Video Game Podcast is just that. Hosts Stephen Hilger and Brendon Bigley steer clear of hype cycles and scores, opting instead for thoughtful, personal discussions about the games they're actually playing. You'll hear them delve into everything from brand-new releases to forgotten classics, often exploring the design choices, stories, and pure fun that define the experience. The tone is consistently relaxed and genuine, mirroring the kind of chat you might have on a couch after a long gaming session. Produced by AJ Fillari, this podcast is a welcoming space for anyone who enjoys games beyond the headlines. It’s perfect for listeners who want to engage with video games on a deeper, more reflective level without the noise. Each episode of this podcast feels like a breath of fresh air in the gaming discourse, focusing on the medium's artistry and the simple joy of play.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Into the Aether - A Low Key Video Game Podcast
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