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"

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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) - 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!
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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.
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