Yakuza 0 (with Erik Morrison) | Bonus

Yakuza 0 (with Erik Morrison) | Bonus

Author: Stephen Hilger + Brendon Bigley October 10, 2025 Duration: 4:23:26

We're joined by Erik Morrison to finally talk at length about one of the many on-ramps into Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's huge Like a Dragon franchise: Yakuza 0.

Thank you to Erik for the doodles which became the basis of the episode art.
Find more of their work here: https://erikmorrison.com/

Check out RiaDoodles' excellent Yakuza fanart!
"Like a Gacha"
"Animal Crossing Tomizawa"
"Aliens"

Find us everywhere: https://intothecast.online
Buy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.online
Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/intothecast
---
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
---
Season 8 cover art by Scout Wilkinson: https://scoutwilkinson.myportfolio.com/
Theme song by Will LaPorte: https://ghostdown.online/
---
Timecodes:

  • (00:00) - Yakuza 0 (Opening Theme) - by Hidenori Shoji, Yakuza 0 OST
  • (00:50) - The Big Game of bonuses
  • (02:03) - This segment will be spoiler-free!
  • (02:13) - Histories with the series
  • (21:34) - Framing the series for newbies
  • (42:54) - Thoughts about Yakuza 0
  • (59:38) - How much of Kiryu's games to play before Infinite Wealth
  • (01:05:48) - Trouble Shooting Star - Hidenori Shoji, Yakuza 0 OST
  • (01:06:16) - The second Big Game?
  • (01:06:43) - FULL SPOILERS FOR YAKUZA 0
  • (01:07:06) - Context for the setting and the plot
  • (01:17:19) - Kuze and Kiryu
  • (01:21:00) - Director's Cut scene #1
  • (01:23:05) - The series' habit of redeeming villains
  • (01:26:39) - Director's Cut scene #2
  • (01:28:27) - Director's Cut scene #3
  • (01:30:41) - Kiryu and Nishiki
  • (01:32:28) - Tachibana Real Estate
  • (01:45:58) - Goro Majima
  • (01:54:36) - Sagawa
  • (01:56:38) - Sotenbori and the care for the people and places of Japan
  • (02:05:20) - The food
  • (02:08:15) - Back to Sagawa and Makoto Makimura
  • (02:20:17) - Approaching the finale
  • (02:30:35) - Director's Cut scene #4
  • (02:32:10) - Saving Makoto
  • (02:37:29) - In Dojima HQ
  • (02:49:14) - Kiryu's ending
  • (02:50:53) - The ending of the video game
  • (03:06:27) - Yaoi: A Presentation by Erik Morrison
  • (03:19:56) - Taking a break
  • (03:27:06) - Actually taking a break
  • (03:27:10) - Try to have some fun for me!! - Hidenori Shoji, Yakuza 0 OST
  • (03:27:43) - Listener questions!
  • (03:27:54) - Lightning round! | From biscuitrogue
  • (03:28:18) - Favorite substories
  • (03:58:25) - RGG Summit? | From su
  • (04:04:20) - ITA Yakuza AU | From Ponk
  • (04:07:36) - What's your job and class? | From Brady
  • (04:09:31) - Updates to the play order? | From GJ
  • (04:16:53) - Hopes for the future | From GJ
  • (04:20:33) - Wrapping up
  • (04:21:06) - Follow Erik online!
  • (04:22:02) - See you next time!
---
Thanks to all of our amazing patrons, including our Eternal Gratitude members:
Sam H
North Hero
Samantha D
Snzzn

Bertito

J-Rock

Gregory Mark S

Cmndr Biscuit

iceman

Christian H

Rydan B

Caleb H

Arden F

Eye of the Duck

Kale

Nathan E

J. H. A

joelchrono

Mellow

Matthew B

Robin LP

SeekingSeaking

Jimmers

zoey!

Vinny M

Matt

Kerry K

Brian M

Noah D

Zach D

Christopher TD

Hugo W

Todd

Chris B

Lukerfuffle

Stephen Y

Daniel G

Eric F

Taran W

Brendan O

Chris Z

Clayton M

Zach R

Griffin

Dylan N

Federico V

Tigerz Revenge

Logan H

Alan R

John A

Mike L

mattjanzz

David M

HeavyPixels

Kaleb H

Tyler J

Corey Z

Susan H

Barry T

Robert R

Chris J

Brett Allen H

Dan S

Jack S

Garrett C

jimiibo

John H

Dirch F

Jim E

Jim W

Tristan L

Evan B

AwfulHanzo

min2

Aaron G

Jean H

Todd N

red_wagon

Neil

Peter B

John V

v

Erik M

Redmage77

Joshua J

Tony L

Danny K

Gibson G

Kate Duncan B

Richard M

Daniel N

Seth M

James

Andy H

Demo

Emma

Lyn E

Corey T

Caleb W

Jake L

Jesse W

Mike T

Codes

Matt B

Wesley

mebezac

Alex L

Sergio L

ninjadeathdog

Rory B

A42PoundMoose

Robert M

Michael W

Andrew

this_JUSTIN

Ryan O

14.3 billion years

Brendan K

Megan B

SecretAgentKoala

Noah O

Arcturus

Andrew W

hepahe

Chase A

LoveDies

Nick Q

Chris M

RB

Karen H

Adam F

Scott H

Alexander S

Matt H

Murray

David P

Jason K

Micah O

Kamrin H

Andrew D

Kyle S

Philip N

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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
Podcast Episodes
Taking Out the Buzz (feat. Peak, Story of Seasons, Silksong, and more) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:04
Does anyone else hear that low buzzing sound when the residents of Mineral Town talk? Or are my ears still ringing from my last encounter with Mayor Felix? Time will tell, I suppose.Discussed: We’re both sick, Story of S…
leafage.mp3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:17
okay but you HAD to have known this one was coming(thanks to anonyman in the discord for the screenshot) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
A Podcast Episode About Hollow Knight: Silksong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:55:32
Silksong is out! So, what do we wish for now?Discussed: Hollow Knight: SilksongFind us everywhere: https://intothecast.onlineBuy some merch, if you'd like: https://shop.intothecast.onlineJoin the Patreon: https://www.pat…
That's Gilded (feat. Kirby, Story of Seasons, and more!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:23
Now THIS is what I call GILDED!Discussed: The calm before the storm, Silksong, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots, Mario Golf and Sports RPGs, replaying games as different characters, game adaptions, Kirby and the Forgotten Land…
The Port Aether Shore Leave Society | August 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:59
Hello and welcome to the very first edition of The Port Aether Shore Leave Society, a new monthly show where we'll be talking about anything — video game or otherwise! We wanted to give everyone an idea of what Shore Lea…
Into the Aether VIII: The Sony PlayStation Portable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:38:31
Welcome to the eighth season of Into the Aether! For this season premiere, we will be discussing our favorite games for the Sony PlayStation Portable. The PSP was a very special console and is still a joy to play. Some m…
Text or Pins? (feat. Cobalt Core, He is Coming, and more!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:52
When will they make a two-sided SD card that always lands text?Discussed: PSPrequel on Patreon, upcoming flights to Jersey, flipping an SD card, Cobalt Core, StarVaders, FTL, He is Coming, Loop Hero, whether or not rogue…