Deep Listens is a gaming "book club". Every two weeks we pick and play a new game and then discuss it from a literary, philosophical, and game design perspective. We fill in the off-weeks with long-running series, interviews, and one-off shows. We try to dig as deep as we can every episode, so check it out!
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 excellent setting, and the game's conspiritorial tone. 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
9/10/26 • 89:21
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 in their 30s try to explain such things as "how can a bullet hell shooter be turn-based?" and "Why do I feel so tired after playing this for 20 minutes?" I think they liked it? I kind of liked it. 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/ 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
9/3/26 • 71:53
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 steroids, space nazis, and forgetting you have a space wife. Also, the show is going to go on hiatus for a few months, so expect us back later in 2026!
8/27/26 • 124:21
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 to explain how the heck Yggdra Union plays with varying levels of success. Did they enjoy themselves? Listen to find out! 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/ 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
8/20/26 • 86:18
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 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
8/13/26 • 71:00
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 story and tone of Silent Hill 2, but we try our best to get 'em all! We've got new characterizations. We've got new plot lines that ruin the ones from the original game. We've got entirely new characters who make no sense! This is probably the worst Silent Hill thing we've covered for the show so... enjoy? You can find Jess's work at https://www.youtube.com/voidburger, https://www.patreon.com/Voidburger, and https://www.twitch.tv/voidburger 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
8/6/26 • 95:24
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 music alongside the other composers for Denshattack!. We wrap up with some rapid fire questions about games, music, and movies. You can find Mello's music at https://2mellomakes.bandcamp.com/ If you've been enjoying the podcast, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/DeepListens
8/4/26 • 57:06
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 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
7/30/26 • 78:20
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? Expect the answers to those questions, and many more questions you weren't asking in this thrilling episode! 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/ 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
7/23/26 • 84:34
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 places! 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
7/16/26 • 86:31
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 the hosts discuss whether this game will need to stick around because it contains stories from other defunct games. We also discuss what it means to experience FF VII primarily through this game. 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
7/9/26 • 80:35
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 trees and the different ways we were able to creatively enjoy the game. We finish up with a quiz on animal facts! How many facts did you know? 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
7/2/26 • 78:04
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 "Which girl is best girl?" and "How did this maze puzzle stump three grown adults?" You won't want to miss it! 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
6/25/26 • 63:53
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 complete without Gino eating a weird Oreo flavor so you don't have to! 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
6/18/26 • 98:17
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 Spire and wanted to know what else was out there, don't worry, they've got you covered. Like, seriously. They've both played a lot of card games and if you want to hear two adult men get into the weeds about what makes a good "One of Those" you might get something out of this! Games Covered: Meteorfall: Krumit's Tale Star Vaders Dungeon Clawler Chrono Ark Vampire Crawlers 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
6/11/26 • 75:47
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 bonus food review for Firecracker Pop Oreos! 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
6/4/26 • 73:12
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 00s, and whether or not it's a good idea to put all of your best writing in a bunch of short stories! 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
5/28/26 • 65:28
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 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
5/21/26 • 72:46
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 kids to schools in developing nations! We discuss Dokapon Kingdom, a plethora of adventure games, Jump Start edutainment games, an escape room, and Baby Steps! You can support the GBCER runners here: https://fundraise.pencilsofpromise.org/team/817883 Please consider donating to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.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
5/14/26 • 59:24
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 poisoning, and lego space bugs. Please consider donating to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.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
5/12/26 • 111:54
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 or does it hide some of its lack of polish? How do you evaluate a story that is told in broken chunks that are either intentionally surreal or are poorly translated? We try our best to give our answers! Please consider donating to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.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
5/7/26 • 71:32
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 donating to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.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
4/30/26 • 64:28
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 worthy of killing the franchise? Given that Off the Deep End is covering it, you know our feelings could go either way. Please consider donating to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.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
4/23/26 • 62:57
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 problem. Like a Dragon is a game of contrasts. Unfortunately, Em's two hour explanation of the rules of Mahjong had to be cut for time. However, I assure you it was riveting. Please consider donating to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.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
4/16/26 • 91:56
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 consider donating to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.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
4/9/26 • 85:33
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 why all your homies hate the Tollan. As a note, the host was nursing some kind of strep infection, and if he sounds painful that's because he was. Please consider donating to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.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
4/7/26 • 118:32
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 friends. Two of the people on this podcast are single! Please consider donating to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.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
4/2/26 • 47:53
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 consider donating to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.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
3/26/26 • 73:06
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 Spire, and the multiplayer mode! Please consider donating to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: https://www.ilcm.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
3/19/26 • 58:37
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: https://www.ilcm.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
3/12/26 • 58:08
