State of the Arc Podcast

Today, we are joined by our friend Max Derrat to analyze the ending of Metal Gear Solid 2! If you haven't heard of him, check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@maxderrat/featured After escaping from Arsenal Gear, the fortress falls out of the sky and crashes into Manhattan Island. Raiden is contacted by a different AI impersonating the Colonel and Rose. It states that GW was the only AI destroyed and that the S3 Plan's real purpose is to stop society's regression in the digital era from trivial information drowning knowledge and truth. The AI believes that humanity is too immature to handle the flow of information responsibly, citing Raiden’s lack of individuality and reliance on others for direction as an example when he protests the plan. The AI orders Raiden to eliminate Solidus—telling him that refusal will result in the deaths of Rose and Olga’s child. After Raiden defeats Solidus, Snake appears after tracking Liquid. Snake and Otacon plan to rescue Olga's child and locate the Patriots, whose details were hidden in the GW virus disc. Raiden is then reunited with the real Rose. In the epilogue, Otacon and Snake decode Ocelot’s disk, which contains data on all twelve members of the Patriots' highest council, the Wiseman's Committee. However, the members have allegedly been dead for 100 years.

Raiden awakens on Arsenal Gear, where Solidus reveals he had killed Raiden's parents and raised him as a child soldier during the Liberian Civil War. After this, Olga frees Raiden, explaining she is a Patriot double agent forced to help him in exchange for her child's safety. After the Colonel begins acting erratically, it is revealed that he is a construct of GW, damaged by the virus. Rose tells Raiden the Patriots had ordered her to become his lover and spy on him and that she is pregnant with his child. Raiden finds Snake, and together, they gain entry to Arsenal. Fortune then battles Snake, while Raiden is forced into combat with AI-controlled Metal Gear RAYs. The virus soon causes them to malfunction, and Olga sacrifices herself to save Raiden from Solidus. Snake and Raiden are captured and taken to the top of Arsenal Gear by Solidus, Fortune, and Ocelot. Ocelot reveals himself as a Patriot agent and that the entire affair was orchestrated by the Patriots to artificially replicate a soldier (Raiden) on par with Solid Snake, titled the S3 Plan. Ocelot kills Fortune before being possessed again by Liquid Snake. Liquid explains that Ocelot's severed right arm was replaced with his own and plans to hunt down the Patriots using his host's knowledge and the stolen RAY. Snake pursues Liquid as Arsenal loses control.

What video games have the best music? We each made a list of the top 10 video game soundtracks of all time. For this video, we did not include Final Fantasy music. That will be treated in a separate video in the future. Do you agree with our picks? Whose list resonates with you the most? Let us know! And don't forget to support us on Patreon if you enjoy the content. Thank you **We're Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

After the assassination of President Johnson, the Colonel asks Raiden to honor his last directive—to rescue computer programmer Emma Emmerich, step-sister of Otacon, and help her upload a virus into Arsenal Gear’s AI system, GW. On the way to the flooded Shell 2 core where she is trapped, Raiden encounters Vamp again, who survived bullet wounds to the forehead and abdomen. Vamp reveals that even without the possibility of a nuclear strike, they could still use Arsenal's purified hydrogen bomb to emit an EMP over Manhattan, knocking it offline. He also hints that, contrary to what the press stated, Dead Cell was actually framed for the terrorist acts six months prior by the Patriots. Raiden is then forced to fight and defeat Vamp before pressing on to rescue Emma. After finding Emma, Raiden struggles to convince her to accompany him. Not only is she suspicious that he is with the terrorists, but due to a near-death experience when she was a child, in which she nearly drowned, she is afraid to swim out of the flooded core. With patience, Raiden convinces her to hold on to him as he helps her escape. Along the way, Emma explains that she created the GW AI that controls Arsenal Gear. Together, the two then head to the Shell 1 core to upload the virus, but Vamp appears again and stabs Emma before being shot by Raiden. Emma uploads the virus but dies from her injury as the virus is cut off prematurely. Otacon leads the rescue of the remaining hostages while Raiden is captured by the Cyborg Ninja, who is revealed to be Olga Gurluchovich, and Snake seemingly betrays him as well. Big Shell then collapses as Arsenal departs.

Pre-rendered backgrounds have been disrespected and become a thing of the past in modern video games. That needs to change. Bring them back! We discuss this and more in our latest episode. Remember to subscribe and join us on Patreon! **We're Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

On his way to rescue President Johnson, Raiden is confronted by the terrorist commander, who claims to be Solid Snake. Enraged by this, Pliskin reveals himself as the true Solid Snake and fires on the imposter from a helicopter. Utilizing an advanced exoskeleton, the terrorist leader evades Snake's attack and boards a Harrier being piloted by Vamp. Snake then tells Raiden to shoot it down, throwing a Stinger missile launcher down to him. After Raiden takes it down, the Harrier plummets, only to be caught by Metal Gear RAY. RAY proceeds to launch missiles into the air, destroying sections of the Big Shell and damaging the Kasatka, forcing it to land. RAY then departs into the ocean, taking the Harrier with it. After recovering from RAY's attack, Solid Snake contacts Raiden, introducing him to Otacon. They reveal they are there to stop the terrorists from using the new Metal Gear prototype. They also tell Raiden that Otacon has another reason for being in the Big Shell: to rescue his sister, Emma Emmerich. Raiden then proceeds to rendezvous and rescue President Johnson. Once Raiden finally gets to the President, he is told about the Patriots, a mysterious organization that secretly rules over America. He also explains that the terrorist leader was his predecessor, the 43rd U.S. President George Sears, known by the codename Solidus Snake, a clone of the legendary soldier Big Boss, created in the "Les Enfants Terribles" project. Johnson adds that Solidus orchestrated the Shadow Moses Incident in 2005 but was removed from office by the Patriots. Solidus wanted to challenge the Patriots, unlike Johnson, who had simply wished to become one of them. Johnson also confirms that the Big Shell is merely a cover-up for the construction of Arsenal Gear, a gigantic mobile fortress that employs mass-produced unmanned Metal Gear RAYs to defend itself and can fire nuclear warheads from anywhere on the planet. It also has access to the Military's Tactical Network, granting it absolute control over the nation's armed forces and nuclear arsenal. However, Arsenal's true purpose is to filter information from the internet and other forms of digital communication using an AI called GW. By doing this, the Patriots hope to shape history as they see fit while maintaining the secret of their existence. Johnson’s last request is that Raiden locate GW's main programmer, Emma Emmerich, and provide her with a computer worm to eradicate the AI. Afterward, feeling he has said everything he needed to, Johnson suddenly grabs Raiden's gun, asking Raiden to kill him. Raiden resists, but Revolver Ocelot soon intervenes, shooting Johnson before Raiden can stop him.

The Switch 2 has been announced. The board is set, the pieces are moving. Now is the time for gamers to decide what their future will be. Or will it be decided for them? Is this a contest of pure power? Or can finesse and convenience win the day? Only time will tell. But the Switch 2 is shaping up to be a serious contender for best console of all time. The only questions that remain for Nintendo are, will it be enough? And the biggest question for gamers: What's on the inside? Remember to subscribe and join us on Patreon! Time Codes: 1. **We're Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

After Raiden and Pliskin disarm the C4 planted within Shells 1 and 2, Raiden receives shocking news from a now-mobile Peter Stillman. All the C4s (planted in places where severe damage could not be done to the Big Shell) were nothing more than diversions for the real explosives, large enough to disturb the structure's integrity. Additionally, the real bombs were programmed to activate after all of the smaller C4s had been disarmed. Although Raiden is able to disarm the Strut A bomb, after returning to the deep sea dock, the Strut H bomb detonates, killing Stillman. Pliskin, on the other hand, is able to survive unscathed. As Raiden prepares to leave Strut A, he is confronted by Fortune, who had been expecting to find somebody else. Nevertheless, she asks Raiden to "bring her death." Raiden, unable to harm her, can only evade her attacks. Shortly thereafter, Vamp arrives to inform Fortune that Fatman has gone rogue. Taking advantage of the distraction, Raiden takes another shot at Fortune, but the bullets are deflected and hit Vamp in the forehead and lower chest. While Fortune cradled Vamp in her arms, lamenting that she cannot follow him in death, Raiden escapes. However, moments later, Vamp awakens, having shrugged off this seemingly fatal attack. With the bomb's countdown having already begun, Raiden heads to the heliport and neutralizes the explosive. He’s then confronted by Fatman, who professes his disinterest in the terrorists’ goals. Fatman is also suspiciously unaware of the ransom demands for $30 billion. His only wish is to surpass his former mentor, Peter Stillman, and become the most famous bomber in history by destroying the entire Big Shell. Challenging Raiden to stop him, he places multiple explosives in the area, utilizing his quick speed. Raiden is forced to neutralize each bomb with coolant spray while simultaneously fighting Fatman. The perseverance pays off, with Fatman collapsing from his injuries. After informing Raiden that he has yet to disarm the "biggest bomb in the place," Fatman dies. Raiden, however, discovers the last bomb, which had been hidden beneath Fatman’s body.

A plot twist is an interesting thing. Many stories try to pull off such a feat, few succeed. In terms of video games, Final Fantasy VII is one that pulled off its twist remarkably. We were going to talk about a few other games, but the time was well spent in focusing mostly just on FF7. And the Metal Gear Solid example is mid-game. That game pulls off its own twist with flying colors but we used a smaller moment in the game to illustrate how a twist can be done poorly. Remember, we have Patreon pages with additional content. Thanks for watching! Time Codes: 1. Beginning (0:00) 2. SPOILERS for FF7 (19:37) 3. SPOILERS FOR Metal Gear Solid 2 (51:19) **We're Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Two years after the sinking of the USS Discovery, with Solid Snake confirmed dead and framed as the primary suspect, new FOXHOUND recruit Jack (codenamed Raiden) is sent to infiltrate the off-shore decontamination facility known as Big Shell, constructed shortly after the sinking of the Discovery, which, according to the government, spilled thousands of gallons of crude oil into the New York Harbor. Raiden is given orders to rescue the President of the United States and other hostages from the Sons of Liberty, a terrorist group who have seized control of Big Shell. The terrorists demand 30 billion dollars and claim that if this demand is not met, they will destroy Big Shell, igniting the oil spill in the harbor and burning the chlorides used for cleanup, creating high levels of dioxins that would wipe out the bay’s ecosystem and become the worst environmental disaster in history. Meanwhile, US Navy Seal Team 10 carries out its own rescue mission, which is quickly thwarted. After coming face to face with Vamp, one of the terrorists with the Sons of Liberty, Raiden meets Iroquois Plissken, a surviving member of SEAL Team 10, who takes him to Peter Stillman, an explosives expert who reveals that Fatman—his former student now with the terrorists—has rigged Big Shell to explode. *Quick Note* One extra point to add about the conversation regarding Plissken and "spoilers" is that my first time playing the game--just a month ago for this series--was the Substance version, and then again with the latest HD collection release on PC. Because of this, I didn't see how the original Sons of Liberty release asked players whether they had played the first game or not. If you say that you have *not* played the original, you skip the Tanker sequence and would not have that part of the story for context as you meet Plissken, nor would you recognize the legendary Solid Snake if you were to see him face to face. This definitely changes things, and even in the game's latest release, you could skip the Tanker sequence and go straight to Big Shell. Still, I'm not sure why you would do that, and so under the context of the modern gaming landscape, and considering we have already covered Metal Gear Solid 1 on this podcast, it seems silly to pretend we don't know what's going on with Plissken. I appreciate your understanding.

What does the word underrated even mean? We've never been big fans of the words underrated or overrated, but we figured that if we define our terms we can actually have a decent discussion! Lots of games have, for one reason or another, evaded the public consciousness; despite being incredible games! If the only way we can talk about some of these games is to use the word underrated, so be it. We hope you enjoy this next episode of the State of the Arc Podcast! Remember, we have Patreon pages with additional content. Thanks for watching! **We're Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Snake returns in our analysis of the very beginning of Metal Gear Solid 2. This is exactly what players wanted and Hideo Kojima delivered on it big-time... with a bit of a twist. We play up to end of the boat mission, where everything ends in chaos. Not only the characters, but the player as well. This exciting sequence is packed with symbolism, references and hard hitting thematic material that not only hints at what will come next, but also can be applied directly to your own life. Follow along, and take this journey with us as we make our way through Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) **We're Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

We couldn't play everything we wanted to in 2024 but as luck would have it, there will actually be another year starting soon! It will be called 2025 so that means we get a whole extra year! But with this unexpected extra time comes with its own hurdle, apparently even though we didn't get to play everything we wanted to play in 2024, there will still be yet even MORE games coming out in 2025. Luckily, however, not quite as many. So that's good news. And while we are typically not fans of remakes and unplanned sequels, the new games we really want to play next year often include exactly those, oddly enough. Enjoy our year end review, and in 2025... take luck! **We're Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Metal Gear Solid 2 went through a grueling process in development that lead to big changes needing to be made. Kojima got to tell the story in his style, of course, but was more constrained in the type of story he was allowed to tell. But something shocking happened towards the end of development that changed the course of the game, and all of history along with it, forever. Come along, and let's talk about one of the most acclaimed games of the early 2000's. Time Codes: 1. Dev History (0:00) 2. SPOILERS (41:22) 3. Spoilers are now over (1:02:32) **We're Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Why do you like the things that you like? Can good art be objectively measured? Is nostalgia really such a bad thing? We tackle questions like this in our latest episode of the podcast. Look, guys, we recorded this after midnight on a Friday like 4 days before Christmas, give us a little slack. We love you and hope all is well! Enjoy our fun discussion that we'll probably have to revisit another time. **We're Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Next week, on Christmas Day, we'll be beginning our deep-dive into Metal Gear Solid 2, Hideo Kojima's follow-up to the PS1 stealth action masterpiece. In this video, I explain why you should play (or replay) the game alongside us.

Which Final Fantasy games start off with bang, and which ones whimper pathetically on the floor? Which intros propel these games to legendary status, and which ones would the games be better off without? We discuss the qualities at the beginning of each game and rank them in order, from best to worst. It turns out, Final Fantasies all have pretty great intros, so even the least of these games here on this list is still probably above average. But there are a handful of games that shine brighter than the rest. Leave a comment with your list! Hironobu Sakaguchi interview Mike mentions: Edited: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRf6sqVv4_o Unedited: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3PoBiBb_HU Time Codes: Intro (0:00) Setting The Stage (1:29) 15 (4:39) 14 (11: 25) 13 (17:49) 12 (19:19) 11 (24:16) 10 (35:44) 9 (41:00) 8 (46:44) FFXII SPOILER (53:28) 7, also XII Spoiler is Now Over (58:21) 6 (1:02:15) 5 (1:05:35) 4 (1:10:17) 3 (1:16:52) 2 (1:24:45) 1 (1:39:11) **We're Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

The votes are in! The patrons have chosen! But which game will we cover next for a long-form analysis on our podcast? Metal Gear Solid 2? Terranigma? Why not both? Will we EVER cover Final Fantasy 9? Find out today! Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

The intro to art is often the most important part. Video games are no exception. If a dev team can pull off a good intro, they likely will be able to pull off a good game. To craft the perfect intro takes a lot of coordination between the directors, producers, musicians and the dev team. When it's done right, it almost always spells success for the rest of the game. In this episode, we dip back into many of the games we've covered on this podcast. Games like Xenogears, Bioshock, Vagrant story and more! Time Codes: Intro (0:00) Honorable Mentions (3:11) 1 (9:07) 2 (17: 27) 3 (22:15) 4 (28:08) 5 (34:22) 6 (46:11) 7 (54:12) 8 (1:00:26) 9 (1:08:19) 10 (1:18:59) **We're Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

In today's episode, we're covering Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece, Princess Mononoke. Set during Japan's late Muromachi period and incorporating fantastical elements, the tale centers on Ashitaka, a young prince of the Emishi people, as he becomes entangled in a conflict between the forest's spirits and the humans exploiting its resources. The film explores a recurring theme in Studio Ghibli's works: environmentalism, presented as a response to the effects of industrialization, framed within the traditions of Shintoism, animism, and folklore.

Today, my good friend Hian and I discuss the concept of Mono No Aware in Japanese culture—the "Romance of Impermanence" and the beauty of letting go while maintaining the appreciation of precious memories. Hian's Essay: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EsKkfrt8wyaZUqwWjsnJDg1jNGoWM80s/view?usp=drive_link

Having just finished Alan Wake, we couldn't help but notice the Jungian symbolism woven into the story. This is a story about Alan's journey to face himself, his shadow, and leave behind a persona (and image of himself) he has grown to hate.

I became fluent in Spanish in 4 months. Here is how I did it, and the good news is, it's something that you can do too! It's a basic, easy method that anyone can do. But it's not exactly a thing that you'd expect. I am currently studying Swedish with this same method to great success. Check it out! What language do you want to learn? SUBS2SRS: https://subs2srs.sourceforge.net/ Pimsleur: https://www.pimsleur.com/ **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

The console war is upon us, whether we would risk it or not! In which case, which side are we on? This matchup is specifically between Sony and Nintendo, with only mentions of Sega and X-Box. We've developed an objective criteria with which to judge these behemoths of the gaming world. Each console from the beginning to the most recent generation will receive a score from 0 to 5. The one with the higher number wins the match-up. How will your favorite consoles fare in this new, deadly framework? Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Criteria (2:02) 3. NES (7:43) 4. SNES (12:19) 5. PS1 vs. N64 (20:41) 6. PS2 vs. Game Cube (29:23) 7. PS3 vs. Wii (35:27) 8. Wii U (45:46) 9. PS4 vs. Switch (53:54) 10. Thoughts on the future (1:07:57) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Sheriff Sarah Breaker takes Allan in for questioning. Alan's phone rings, his wife's voice faintly coming through, followed by a chilling voice dictating Alan's next moves if he ever wants to see her alive again. At Lovers' Peak, the kidnapper demands Alan's manuscript, claiming it foretells future events. Their confrontation escalates, leading to a brutal struggle and a desperate chase through the darkness. The kidnapper escapes, leaving Alan to fight his way back to the Cabin. Barry, finally understanding the gravity of their situation, supports Alan’s frantic efforts. Barry receives a call from Rose, under the sinister influence of an old woman, setting a deadly trap. Alan presses on towards Rose, but both he and Barry fall unconscious as They drink Rose’ coffee. As Alan awakens from his nightmare, the truth crashes down on him: the mysterious editors are Barbara Jagger and Thomas Zane. Returning to Barry's car, he finds himself surrounded by FBI agents and police, led by the relentless FBI Agent Nightingale. The Dark Presence strikes, chaos erupts as Alan narrowly escapes the police. At the KBF-FM radio station, he confronts a darkness-possessed gate, its malevolence blocking his path. Fending off the swarming Taken, Alan makes his way inside, meeting Pat Maine, the radio host. Yet again, Nightingale and his men close in, cornering Alan. Sheriff Sarah Breaker intervenes, but Nightingale's volatile temper flares as he shoots at Alan, allowing him to slip away amidst the chaos. Reaching the train depot, Alan steals a car, leaving possessed machinery and Taken adversaries in his wake. He journeys to the Coal Mine Museum, waiting until nightfall for Ben Mott's call about a change of plans. The new rendezvous: Mirror Peak lookout. The path is fraught with danger as Alan battles Taken and poltergeists, his resolve unwavering. Traversing through a ghost town and silver mine, Alan hears Alice's haunting voice echoing through the tunnels. Emerging near the lookout, he navigates the mountain ruins, overhearing Mott's tortured confession that he never had Alice. Desperation turns to fury as Alan approaches the kidnapper, but the Dark Presence manifests as a violent tornado, ripping Mott into the air. In a climactic struggle, the Dark Presence targets Alan, threatening to tear him asunder. With a last desperate flare, Alan is flung into the lake. As he sinks into the abyss, a hand reaches.

Alan Wake, a famous crime novelist from New York City, lives in a world of stories, especially those with supernatural elements. But he's been suffering from writer's block for two years, so he and his wife Alice head to the remote town of Bright Falls for some peace and quiet. Suddenly, Alan finds himself driving along a dark road at night, and before he can stop, he hits a hitchhiker on the road. However, as he gets out, the man is gone, and the road he was just driving on is blocked behind him. Alan then realizes that the man is a terrifying, shadowy figure possessed by a Dark Presence. He gives chase to Alan, taunting and attacking him. Then, a mysterious light saves him, and he learns that only light can harm the shadows that pursue him. Eventually, Alan “wakes” up from this "nightmare," disoriented. Alan and Alice drive to an eerie cabin on Cauldron Lake. Alice then reveals that she hopes the setting will help her husband work through his writer’s block. This frustrates him, and he storms out of the cabin alone. Alice, who has a terrible fear of the dark, screams. He rushes back into the cabin, only to find that she has vanished. Alan dives into the lake in a desperate attempt to save her, and everything goes black. Upon regaining consciousness, Alan finds himself in a wrecked car with no memory of how he got there. He stumbles through the woods, only to realize that things have taken a surreal and terrifying turn. The forest around him is dark, and strange shadows begin to close in, echoing the nightmare sequence from earlier. Along the way, he finds pages of a manuscript titled Departure, describing the terrifying events happening around him. Even stranger, Alan doesn’t remember writing any of it. The manuscript draws Alan deeper into a horror story he is creating yet can’t control.

Do you want to know what the top ten games of all time are? I think it's time to settle this once and for all. Mike and Casen go head to head in all out war as they try to settle this age old question once and for all. The rules are simple. For each match-up, from #10 to #1, the points get higher and higher. The winner of the #10 spot gets 1 point, while the winner of the #1 spot gets 10 points. Who's list will win the day? Casen's or Mike's? YOU DECIDE! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Honorable Mentions (2:57) 3. #10 (7:33) 4. #9 (17:15) 5. #8 (24:17) 6. #7 (33:53) 7. #6 (44:10) 8. #5 (53:01) 9. #4 (1:01:43) 10. #3 (1:13:10) 11. #2 (1:29:42) 12. #1 (1:45:13) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

This is just a quick message in response to a great conversation I had over the phone with Zakogdo. I wanted to correct the record in some areas where he felt we misrepresented him and let you guys know where the future of this conversation lies on our channel.

Alexander O. Smith returns to talk game translation and localization. What words did he sneak into every Final Fantasy game that he translated? How would he have tackled current controversial translations? All this and more are discussed in this exciting episode of the Resonant Arc Podcast. Alexander's Instagram account: http://www.instagram.com/aokajiya/ The "Shogun" breakdown Alexander mentioned from Hiroko Yoda: https://blog.hirokoyoda.com/p/jidaigeki-made-in-usa **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

In today's episode, we begin our deep dive into Alan Wake, a 2010 action-thriller game from Remedy Entertainment. In this first episode, we'll tell the story of the game's development, getting into the creators' headspace and setting up the themes and deeper meaning the game will explore. Join us!

Disclaimer for this episode: It has come to my attention since recording this episode (months ago) that there is some controversy surrounding the discussion of Paul Atreides as a "hero" among fans of the series. There are many who reject the idea that Frank Herbert's intention was misunderstood, as I state at the beginning of the video. I hope people watching this who are suspicious that I am going down the "Paul is actually the villain" route will give my take a chance. We set up how Villuneuve views this, as well as Frank Herbert's son Brian, and many people oppose those interpretations. All of that aside, I hope you give my take on this movie a chance, because I DON'T believe Paul is the "villain" of the story. I simply believe he is a human being, and human beings are complicated. I had a deeply emotional experience with this film, one that draws on a lot of my most raw personal experiences, and that is what I refer to when I make my analysis of this film. I hope it will be of some merit in this discussion. -Mike In today's episode, we're covering Dune: Part Two, Denis Villeneuve's follow-up to the 2021 epic sci-fi film. This time, we get the second half of the adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel and the conclusion to the story. In the film version, Villeneuve focuses on the danger of messianic figures and shows how heroic, charismatic leaders manipulate the beliefs of passionate people to achieve their own aims, for better or worse.

How far is too far? If a translator tries to use common phrases and manners of speaking in the target language but does so at the expense of the source language's intention, who is to blame? We conducted an interview with Zakogdo over text and asked him some of these exact questions. Zakogdo is someone who talks about the localization of Japanese games on X and has gotten lots of traction this year by critiquing the translations of games like Unicorn Overlord and Eiyuden Chronicle. The interview was conducted over text, and we sought to find places of agreement and understanding. Find Zakogdo here: x.com/zakogdo Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Why Are We Doing This? (1:22) 3. How Did Zakogdo Learn Japanese? (20:00) 4. What Are Our Blindspots In This Conversation? (23:45) 5. How Have We Misrepresented You? (48:15) 6. What Points Have We Made That You Would Like To Rebut? (1:18:20) 7. What Does A Successful Translation Look Like To You? (1:44:10) 8. What Do You Think Is The Solution To All Of This? (1:52:15) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Today, we'll be analyzing Dune: Part One, the 2021 film adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic 1965 novel. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, renowned director of Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, and Sicario, this movie tells roughly the first half of the story. It is filmed to the brim with great filmmaking to break down and is without question one of our favorite films of the last five years.

Silent Hill 2 Remake has delivered a new experience to fans of the original while taking great care to maintain the spirit of the original and the result is something that comes as close to perfection as I've ever seen. They threaded the needle perfectly and even improved the experience in many ways. Max Derrat drops by to talk all things Silent Hill 2 Remake. Subscribe to Max Derrat: https://www.youtube.com/@maxderrat @maxderrat Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Max Derrat (1:14) 3. SPOILERS! (7:37) 4. Characters (19:19) 5. Jung and Alchemy (59:18) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Localization Controversy | Representing The Other Side Of The Debate by Resonant Arc

Are you too old to play video games? Are we? Is there a cut-off somewhere? In this episode, we dive into the age old question, "When are you too old to still be playing video games?" It's a good question. Also, it's a bad question. Which games are we referring to? What else are these games keeping you from doing? Is our civilization going to end? Or will it keep coasting by? When will I stop asking these questions?? If you have answers or insights relating to anything in this video, please leave a comment. If you enjoy this content, please consider subscribing. Thank you, you all rock! **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Hyper Light Drifter is brilliant. The incredible depth of its narrative, delivered without a single word of text, is a testament to how creative and evocative its music, sound, and visuals are. Today, we dive into what makes this game so special and how it has inspired both of us to live our lives to the fullest. 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Setting Expectations On How We Do Analysis (3:20) 3. What Is Hyper Light Drifter? (8:46) 4. Development History (11:39) 5. Hyper Light Drifter's Design Foundations (47:12) 6. Interesting Trivia About The Real World Immortal Cell (56:40) 7. Discussing The Game's Monoliths (1:02:09) 8. Why The Egyptian God Anubis Is Relevant To This Game (1:14:22) 9. Analysis Of Judgment (1:28:48) 10. How Tarot Is Used In The Game (1:32:54)

It seems that with every new Japanese game released here in the States, there's another controversy about the translation. Most recently, we saw this with Metaphor: Refantasio, but the same thing happened with Unicorn Overlord and many others. This is true not only for games but also for anime and Manga. So today, we brought in Alexander O. Smith, a professional Japanese-to-English translator and game writer who worked on games like Vagrant Story, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Final Fantasy X, and Final Fantasy XII, to set the record straight about the process of game translation and localization. Is the game industry plagued with "rogue translators" who are pushing their own agenda? Is censorship the issue? In this episode, you'll learn how and why these decisions are made and learn some REALLY cool behind-the-scenes info on how Final Fantasy X was translated! Timecodes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Establishing Our Intentions With This Conversation (1:46) 3. What Got Alex Interested In Learning Japanese? (6:36) 4. How Different Are Japanese And English Fundamentally? (15:51) 5. How Much Oversight Do Japanese Devs Have Over English Translation? (28:48) 6. How Much Of The Changes Between Japanese And English Are Marketing Decisions? (35:57) 7. How Often Are The Japanese Teams Requesting Changes For Other Markets? (44:24) 8. Should Translators Also Be Good Writers Themselves? (58:24) 9. Why Did Alex Change "Arigato" to "I love you" in Final Fantasy X? (1:19:00) 10. Alex's Biggest Translation Mistake On FFX (1:30:09) 11. Alex's Feelings On Working With Yasumi Matsuno (1:39:36) 12. How Do You Approach Translating Song Lyrics Like Melodies of Life? (1:57:56) 13. How Did You Master Older Forms Of English? (2:03:43)

After watching last week's State of Play presentation, we were surprised to see how upset people were about the Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster announcement. In today's episode, we'll discuss the uptick in gamer outrage and give our thoughts on the show's announcements! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Responses To Last Week's Episode (2:01) 3. Thoughts on State of Play (20:50)

The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring concludes in such a beautiful way. Sam and Frodo, Merry and Pippin, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, and then of course, the tragedies of Boromir and Gandalf. The 7 who remain of the fellowship must go their separate ways. And while the movie tells us time and time again that Frodo must do this alone, Sam comes with him. J.R.R. Tolkien chose to hinge his works on certain beautiful truths that seem evident in the world around him, and explained the sadness and sorrow, and the goodness and beauty, in ways that no fictional writers have been able to do since. What an absolute beast. It can't be overstated how much good he has done for the world. Peter Jackson tries and largely succeeds in living up to Tolkien's high, high standards in this film. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. The Ring Goes South (2:07) 3. Caradhras (9:18) 4. The Mines of Moria (17:50) 5. The Balrog (26:30) 6. Pity for Gollum (44:33) 7. The Secret Fire (55:51) 8. Lothlorien (1:02:28) 9. The Lady Galadriel (1:20:35) 10. The Mirror of Galadriel (1:39:57) 11. The Great River (1:56:56) 12. The Departure of Boromir (2:05:30) 13. "I'm Coming With You!" (2:08:05) 14. Tolkien's Themes (2:10:40) 15. Linguistic Notes (2:29:22) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

There's been a lot of buzz about the slump the gaming industry is in for years now. Studio closures, big game failures, and an overall homogenizing of the AAA scene point to a possible collapse of the industry. Today, we discuss why this is happening and what--if anything--we can do about it. Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

We need a Xeno detox! So, while we begin preparing for our next big game, we would like to make some exciting announcements about the future of this YouTube channel! Learn more about how we'll be approaching the show moving forward and how we'll go about doing TWO episodes a week moving forward! For anyone who tries to sign up for our new Patreon tier, I still haven't received a message from Patreon support to resolve the problem I'm having linking the Discord perks. Please reach out to me in a private message (on Patreon or on Discord), and I will add you manually so you can enjoy the perks! Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

The Fellowship of the Ring is a masterclass in how to creatively adapt a book while technically also skipping, say, 4 entire chapters without missing a beat. I am more amazed at what Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and the whole team pulled off. It rejuvenated J.R.R. Tolkien's work in a way that kept many of his important themes in it. We continue to analyze what made these movies so special and compare them to the books where we can. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Peter Jackson Directing Action (0:51) 3. A Shortcut to Mushrooms (8:32) 4. Ring Wraiths (17:11) 5. Bree (28:09) 6. Strider (49:14) 7. Weathertop (1:05:59) 8. Isengard (1:24:18) 9. Flight to the Ford (1:31:20) 10. Rivendell (1:57:28) 11. The Council of Elrond (2:27:35) 12. No Oath nor Bond is Laid (2:48:15) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

To skip the Childhood's End spoilers, move forward in the timeline from 1:54:32 to 1:57:00 Thanks to all the guests who joined us on this panel! TJTheEmperor: @TJTheEmperor Keith Comito: https://www.lifespan.io/ David Aidan In this final episode, we break down the plot and themes for the entire Xenosaga series now that we have finished everything. It is packed full of really interesting insights from an incredible panel. We hope you appreciate it!

Wow, what a great game! We'll have one more episode after this one so please comment with what you want us to talk about next time that we may have missed this time. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ

On this episode we are going over Chapter 7! It's a blast. Join us! **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ

Casen is out of town today, so I'm going back to touch on a few points we didn't have time to talk about last week. Thank you all for watching and contributing to this ongoing discussion!

After finding herself transported to Miltia 15 years in the past, Shion finds the rest of the group and investigates the area to find out what happened. Along their way, they come across Virgil engaged in combat with U-TIC realians. Seeing that he is badly injured, they decide to help him despite knowing he is the Blue Testament. They soon find an old church where they meet Febronia with a young Shion and Kevin. Febronia offers to be an organ donor to save Virgil’s life, and an emergency operation is conducted to rescue him. After the operation proves to be a success, Virgil, who has a deep prejudice towards Realians, gets to know Febronia and begins to reevaluate his views. Meanwhile, the group reconvenes with the crew of the Elsa to discuss their current predicament. The professor reveals that unless they can find a sufficient power source, it will be impossible to return to their own time. Allen also reveals to Shion that KOS-MOS’s black box has been damaged beyond repair, and without the help of Kevin, her original creator, she will never reawaken. Shion, despite warnings from Allen and the others about meddling with the past, decides to go into the city and discovers key truths about Joachim Mizrahi and the Zohar project that led to the disaster on Miltia. Most importantly, she learns that her father, Margulis, and Mizrahi were attempting to control the Zohar through experiments performed on both her mother and herself. She also learns that Kevin was a key member of Mizrahi’s team and finds baseline designs and code for KOS-MOS that allow the Elsa’s crew to repair her. As Allen and the professor work on reviving her, the ship is attacked by Voyager, who is beaten back by a redesigned KOS-MOS. With KOS-MOS repaired, the group then focusses on finding a sufficient power source to return to their own time and settle on conducting an operation to steal the vessels of Anima stored in the U-TIC secret base of Labyrinthos. While conducting the mission, Shion learns that U-TIC, under Kevin’s supervision, had developed the combat Realians that slaughtered all the people of the city and killed her mother during the Miltian Conflict. As the group attempts to escape with the vessels of Anima, Shion realizes that her mother is being transferred to the treatment facility where she will eventually be killed and decides to go after her rather than escape. Though the group wants to help her, they are overwhelmed by U-TIC forces and have no choice but to retreat. Shion is then confronted by the Red Testament, who reveals his true identity as Kevin Winecott. Shocked by this revelation, Shion freezes up and is captured by U-TIC.

Well, well, well... you don't a much stronger start to a game than that! Xenosaga III REALLY impressed me in its opening act. This is by far the most polished product of this trilogy, and we're excited to share our incites with you on all the great symbolism and strong setups here. Following her resignation from Vector, Shion teams up with Scientia to investigate the company’s secrets while Allen takes her place looking after KOS-MOS. Meanwhile, Canaan, Jr., Jin, chaos, MOMO, and Ziggy investigate a landmass floating through space that originated from Lost Jerusalem. Margulis attacks them in response, and the landmass is swallowed up in an inverted pocket of hyperspace, which the Elsa also falls into. Meanwhile, Shion visits Allen and sees a demonstration of two new weapons for fighting the Gnosis—T-elos, a battle robot meant to replace KOS-MOS, and Omega, a mech created from the remains of the Proto Omega and piloted by Abel. After the test, T-elos' creator, Roth Mantel, informs Allen that KOS-MOS will be scrapped in favor of T-elos. Because KOS-MOS's weaponry is the only way to break into the hyperspace pocket and save the Elsa, Shion leads the group into the facility and rescues KOS-MOS, guided at one point by Abel. Nephilim visits Shion frequently during this time, and Shion begins to experience a series of blackouts where U-DO contacts her. These events are observed by Wilhelm, who is working with the Testaments to find Abel his Ark. Entering the hyperspace pocket, the group finds the Elsa and investigates the area, encountering both Albedo and Virgil and learning that the Vessels of Anima powering their E.S. mechs are critical to the Testaments' plans. They are then confronted by Mantel—who reveals himself as the Red Testament—and T-elos. T-elos nearly kills KOS-MOS, but Shion's pendant activates and seemingly transports the group to the planet Miltia fifteen years in the past.

Rather than taking advice from a Chad philosopher like Diogenes, we'll instead be diving into the deep end of virgin Friedrich Nietzche's thoughts. This is essential if one wants to understand the underlying meaning of Xenosaga, particularly this final entry in the series.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a monumental work of art. Both the book and the film. The movie came out in our early teen years and we read the books shortly thereafter. In this podcast, we attempt to understand and explain some of the differences between the book and the film, as well as where the film really shines and where it may fall short. We hope you enjoy this podcast, it was a blast to produce. J.R.R. Tolkien is a beast. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Foreword (1:00) 3. Prologue (13:38) 4. Galadriel's Mirror (36:33) 5. Prometheus or Lucifer (48:58) 6. Bilbo and Gandalf (57:57) 7. "You want it for yourself!" (1:19:47) 8. The Road Goes Ever On and On (1:27:22) 9. Frodo Gets the Ring (1:36:24) 10. The Eucatastrophe (2:04:53) 11. Being Grounded in the Shire (2:13:39) 12. Gandalf and Saruman (2:18:39) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Today, we'll be covering the story of how Shion finally got fired from Vector. While Jin Uzuki investigates Gnosis Terrorism—a new phenomenon in which Gnosis under a person’s control attack high-population centers—he finds a mysterious young Realian girl being taken care of by the Subcommittee on Close Encounters and Juli Mizrahi. The Subcommittee lab is attacked, and an agent named Doctus, who was sent by an anti-UMN organization called Scientia, kidnaps the Realian girl. Jin and Shion pursue Doctus to a Scientia vessel and are caught. The Captain of the vessel attempts to explain the situation to them, revealing the dangers of the UMN and Vector’s role in funding the research that led to the events on Miltia 14 years ago. As Scientia conducts an analysis on the Realian girl, a power awakens in her, and Shion is rendered unconscious as the Realian disappears from the lab. Jin works with Doctus to conduct an encephalon dive into Ars Nova, a top-secret area of the UMN sealed by Vector. There, Jin confronts Grimoire Verum, the father of Nephilim and the orchestrator behind the recent Gnosis attacks. Grimoire attempts to use the Realian as a vessel for his daughter’s consciousness, but the Realian girl rejects her memories, and the song of Nephilim turns her into a Gnosis. Grimoire’s consciousness is destroyed, but Shion is able to help the Realian regain her memories, calling her by her true name, Almadel. It is revealed that Shion’s father had experimented on Almadel, and Shion had befriended her and tried to comfort her in her distress. This also unlocks repressed memories for Shion. Almadel then realizes that she must sacrifice herself to stop the Song of Nephilim from resonating throughout the universe. Shion has an emotional breakdown in response but is roused and comforted by Jin. As a result of this incident, Shion is demoted within Vector, but due to her conflicted feelings about Vector’s involvement in all of this and their attempted coverup, she leaves Vector without saying goodbye to KOS-MOS and joins Scientia.

Today, we're bringing on an amazing panel of guests, including TJTheEmperor, Keith Comito, and David Garcia Abril, to discuss the execution of Xenosaga II's story and gameplay, what it was like playing this game for European audiences, how changes to voice direction made a big impact, and the philosophy of life extension.

After three weeks of consideration, it is now declared by law, by the authority vested in Resonant Arc, that Xenosaga Episode II is, indeed, good.

Despite attempts by many of you to convince us otherwise, we still really like this game! While visiting her brother, Jin, Shion blames his absence for the deaths of their parents during the Miltian Conflict. Meanwhile, during a procedure to analyze the Y-Data MOMO possesses, a virus implanted by Albedo activates, and MOMO fragments her own personality to keep Mizrahi's data secure. Shion, Jr. and the rest of the group initiate an encephalon dive to enter MOMO's subconscious and save her. During this period, Jr. reveals that he and his brothers were part of an experiment by Dmitri Yuriev: Yuriev's wish was to create an existence that would neutralize U-DO. The three of them were close, but Albedo became despondent when he discovered his immortality was unique to him, meaning he would outlive his brothers. During an experiment, Jr. breaks the circuit containing a portion of U-DO, resulting in everyone except himself, Albedo, and Gaignun being killed. After being touched by U-DO, Albedo goes insane while Gaignun remains unaffected. As they save MOMO, Albedo hacks in and tricks MOMO into releasing the decoded Y-Data to him, and using that data, Albedo opens the way to Miltia. With Miltia accessible, the Federation, U-TIC, and the Immigrant Fleet fight each other for control of the Zohar hidden on the planet.

Today we'll be turning the entire Xeno fanbase against us by defending Xenosaga II's character redesigns and story. This game is actually pretty good! Xenosaga Episode II opens amid the Militian conflict, fourteen years before the events of Episode I. Canaan and chaos are sent on a mission to investigate what is happening there and discover that Realians are being driven insane by the "Song of Nephilim." After finding themselves ambushed, they are rescued by Jin Uzuki, who has stolen data implicating those who used the Song. After fending off an attack by Margulis, Jin transfers the data into Canaan's mind for safekeeping. Fourteen years later, the key to unlocking that data remains on Miltia. Now stationed at Second Miltia, Canaan is assigned to protect the crew of the Elsa. Upon arrival, Shion reluctantly hands KOS-MOS over to Vector officials while instructing Allen to keep an eye on her. Ziggy prepares to escort MOMO to have the data implanted in her by Joachim Mizrahi retrieved. During her stay, Shion receives a vision from Nephilim, asking her to help Cecily and Cathe as promised. On Second Miltia, MOMO, Ziggy, chaos, and Jr. are attacked by U-TIC agents in powerful mechs, and they are only able to fend them off due to Canaan’s intervention. Meanwhile, Shion has an uncomfortable reunion with her brother, Jin.

Set 100 years before the events of Xenosaga Ep.1, Xenosaga: Pied Piper tells the story of cyborg Ziggurat 8 in his former life as human counter-terrorist agent Jan Sauer working for the Galaxy Federation. It centers on Sauer’s team as they track a serial killer known by the hacker alias "Voyager," who stalks and murders his victims, mostly children, inside the U.M.N., or Unus Mundus network, a universe-spanning virtual reality internet. The squad is deployed to the planet Abraxas to investigate these murders and bring Voyager to justice. As Jan carries out his investigations, he meets Dr. Sharon Rozas, and over time, the two fall in love and get married. As Jan's investigation gets closer to unveiling Voyager's identity, it becomes clear that high-ranking officials in the Galactic Federation are connected to Voyager and attempt to shut Jan and his team down. After escaping arrest and finally unveiling Voyager as Erich Weber, a member of his own team, Jan is forced to watch Sharon and her son murdered in front of his eyes and chooses to take his own life rather than be used by corrupt higher powers or be killed by Voyager. His body is reclaimed and recycled, which leads to him becoming the cyborg Ziggurat 8.

Mike and Casen disagree completely on the value of The Legend of Korra as a follow-up series to Avatar: The Last Airbender. In this video, you'll see friends torn apart as they come to realize the person they once admired and respected is actually a bigot of the most heinous kind and must be eliminated for the betterment of humanity. The bloodbath that ensues has been documented here for your entertainment. Time Codes: 1. Introduction (0:00) 2. Comparison to Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul (7:04) 3. The Last Airbender's Greatest Strength (8:29) 4. Korra Season 1 Discussion (11:59) 5. Korra Season 2 Discussion (18:11) 6. Korra Season 3 Discussion (31:41) 7. Korra Season 4 Discussion (40:17) 8. Let the True Debate Begin (48:30)

Michs is getting his Masters Degree in Theology at Harvard University, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to talk about Final Fantasy X and the Yevon religion that rules Spira. No, we are not talking about Final Fantasy X-2. Maybe one day... In the mean time, enjoy this discussion we had. It touches on a variety of topics, ranging from Dostoevsky's Brothers Karamazov, to the Bible, to politics and modern monetary policy. I hope you enjoy it! Please leave a comment and subscribe to our channel if you liked the video. Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/vWzXpTc Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

Journey is such an incredible game. It's an experience that will stick with you for years. The story for Journey is a distillation of the hero's journey, and presents it in a most beautiful and compelling way. Also, I hope you all love Dante's Comedia because we'll be diving into that a fair bit. Enjoy the discussion! **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

This game has been a blast. Thanks for watching! **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

What can change the nature of a man? Final episode will be up next week! This game has been a blast, and we're excited to jump into a few new ones soon. Xenosaga 2 and Journey are next up on the docket. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Slake is such a dope word. It sounds so intense. This game gives us such an endless stream of things to talk about. We hit the lower ward and the clerks ward here. Don't forget, the world is founded on belief. Use it well! **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Max Derrat @maxderrat is a beast. But how much of a beast is he really? We find out in this 1 on 1 conversation about God, Alchemy, Carl Jung, video games and so much more. I hope you enjoy it! **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Die While You Still Can W/@maxderrat | Planescape Torment Analysis (Ep.2) by Resonant Arc

Max Derrat @maxderrat https://www.youtube.com/@maxderrat has joined us to discuss Planescape Tormentäs development history. This game had some fascinating things happen behind the scenes that most people are entirely unaware of. Also, big huge thank you to Mr Edders 123 @MrEdders123 https://www.youtube.com/@MrEdders123 for being such a beast. Check out how wild this game was to make as we step into the first act of the game next week. Enjoy the comments! Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Planescape Torment. We have finally arrived. The moment you've been waiting for is... almost here. We'll actually do Dev history next week, but for now enjoy this introductory primer to Planescape Torment! Beware, there are spoilers after 27:29. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Analysis (5:28) 3. SPOILERS! (27:28) 4. The End. (1:16:52) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Do you play games for different reasons today versus when you were a child? Does that reflect any big changes in your life and how you perceive the world? It has for me. While I still enjoy many of the games of my childhood, it is for different reasons now compared to then. Thanks for watching, and of course, enjoy the comments! Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Since we 2 chads never talk about anything controversial ever let's give this one a shot! Do you fit in? Do you want to fit in? Do you care at all whether or not you fit in? Is fitting in important? What if you don't fit in but want to? What if you don't want to fit in but can't help doing just that?? Well, this is the video for YOU! It has everything: waifu lists, our opinions, a few apologies, and a few more things that may upset some people for years to come. What more could one wish for? Enjoy the comments! Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Localization is one of the most challenging aspects of game development, it can either make or break a game. But sometimes it's done extremely well and some people just can't see it. It's OK to disagree with the translation choices made by a team of translators, however, if you think the translation for Unicorn Overlord isn't DOPE then you run a high likelihood of being wrong. I think the odds are maybe like 99% that you're wrong. But hey, there's still a chance. Listen to hear opinions that are softer than this description might let on. Enjoy the comments! Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Vote on Patreon or Subscribestar for the next game we analyze! Is social media ruining gaming? Or is it making things better? That's possible. Maybe things are actually better and you just didn't realize it yet? Or maybe things are just worse. But even if they're worse and bad, does that mean that gaming is ruined? Can it be salvaged? How? HOW!?!? Here's a link to the video Mike mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuFlMtZmvY0 Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

We've been hearing some buzz lately about a coming collapse for the gaming industry. Why is this happening? What can be done about it? How has gaming culture changed since we were growing up? We explore all of these questions on this week's State of the Arc podcast!

Is Squall dead? Is he just dreaming? We are about to take a (quite) critical look at the Squall is dead theory. Why? Why does Squall have to be dead? Is Mario dead? All those mushrooms and turtles sure seem to indicate so. Is Final Fantasy VIII too Fantasy and not based enough in reality for you? Do we feel the need to bring fantasy down to the materialist, hyper-rational world in order to enjoy it, or can it just stand on its own two feet? Or, maybe to hit a little closer to home... are YOU dead? Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Is Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within still worth watching? Mike and Casen have taken it upon themselves to analyze this most interesting piece of history. We talk about the Gaia Hypothesis by James Lovelock, and how it fits into the story of this film. The movie is deeply misunderstood, but that is of course its own fault. Enjoy this analysis of a pretty average movie, with an extremely thought provoking spirit hiding deep within. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. History (3:54) 3. Movie (1:00:54) 4. VFX (1:54:38) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Ok, here we are now! The end of the series! We go over CH. 4 of Law route and then venture a bit into Coda with @CoffeePotato Ivan and @WarrenReport and a special shout out to @Burak_C for being a beast. Thanks for coming on this journey with us! Big things are just ahead. Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

What elements of the show are necessary to maintain?: https://strawpoll.com/eNg69O6VenA Has the podcast been disappointing? https://strawpoll.com/X3nk4w92YgE We continue the Law route of Tactics Ogre. Also, horrible missed opportunity last episode by not calling it Law & Ogre. Can't believe I missed that one. It was right there! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Treachery of Leonar (0:51) 3. Another Look at Vyce (16:53) 4. To Kill the Duke (36:51) 5. Chapter 3 (52:27) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

What elements of the show are necessary to maintain?: https://strawpoll.com/eNg69O6VenA Has the podcast been disappointing? https://strawpoll.com/X3nk4w92YgE We now approach the Law route of Tactics Ogre. Let's talk about it! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Balmamusa (20:24) 3. Chapter 2 (50:50) 4. Denam's Lie (1:13:10) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

The Chaos version of the game is likely the one that both Mike and Casen would have done first. The majority of the differences would have been in Ch. 3. Let's talk about it! Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

We finished the game! We got the "sad" ending on the neutral route. The ending was quite good, in our opinion. Let's talk about it! Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Today, we're covering chapter 3 of the neutral route. We discuss Catiua and Denam's souring relationship, Duke Ronwey's plan to accost the Dark Knights of Lodis, and Nybeth's reemergence and "sins against life." Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. The Dark Knights Reveal What They're Really After At Phidoch Castle (1:05) 3. Catiua Gets Angry At Denam At Almorica Castle (11:26) 4. Sir Hektor's "Public Execution" (18:27) 5. Denam's Reunion With Warren and Mirdyn (19:55) 6. Battle Against Oz At Boed Fortress (22:12) 7. Back To Almorica, Catiua Claims Denam Will Abandon Her (34:27) 8. Nybeth Subplot, Catiua Leaves With Lanselot (39:40) 9. Return To Almorica, Ronway's Demise (1:09:47) 10. Battle At Phidoch (1:13:08)

We do Chapter 2 this time! Crazy stuff here and a bit of a reflection on the pervious episode by Casen. Hope you enjoy! Orcbrand Ivan is here again! Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching! Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

In this episode we play through Chapter 1 of the game, and pick the option "Stop this lunacy!" at the end. We have many many many thoughts and hopefully everyone will listen all the way to the end! Orcbrand Ivan is here again! Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. This Game (1:27) 3. Spoilers for Law Route (1:37:05) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Jurassic Park is one of the most brilliant examples of how to incorporate the theme of your movie into every nook and cranny. It's mind blowing to see just how thematically consistent this movie is. Every scene adds to it yet detracts nothing whatsoever to the general plot or development of the characters. It is a masterpiece in so many ways. Come, watch our 4 hour celebration of this amazing film on its 30th anniversary. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching! Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

We're going to get to know the region of Valeria and the surrounding Kingdoms in today's prologue to the game. We invite the wonderful and distinguished Orcbrand himself, Ivan knower of all things Ogre. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching! Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Let's get to know the creators of Tactics Ogre! This game is fascinating. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching! Time Codes: 1. **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

Jacob's Ladder quickly became one of our favorite movies ever made. After playing Silent Hill 2 the most common comment we received was that we needed to then go and watch Jacobs Ladder. We did, and we have some thoughts. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching!

This week is a holiday week, and we've moved our studio into a new location, so we're doing a Q&A episode this week to give us more time to prepare for Tactics Ogre next week! Hope you enjoy this more laid-back episode!

The DLC for Outer Wilds fleshes out many concepts from the base game. This was a blast to play. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching!

This is the best section of the game so far. This part left Mike and Casen speechless. Let's dive into why this game is now Mike's favorite game of all time. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching!

Today, we explore the Orbital Space Canon, the Interloper, return for loose ends to Giant's Deep and Brittle Hollow, and then head to Dark Bramble...

A perpetual time loop would certainly be suboptimal. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching!

For today's episode, we explored as much of the Hourglass Twins as we could, but we still don't think we saw everything!

Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching!

We finish up this amazing experience by recapping the end of the game and responding to comments. Which of the 4 possible endings did you opt for? We are joined by Sam from Games as Literature. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined. Thanks for watching!

This game. Just, this game. This episode contains spoilers for the entire game. It's a short game, so you should be able to beat it in just a few hours. We are joined by Sam from Games as Literature @GameProf . Leave a comment if you feel so inclined. Thanks for watching!

Terribly sorry for the late upload! Casen and I had a communication mix-up as I went out of town last week for work. This episode contains spoilers for the entire game. It's a short game, so you should be able to beat it in just a few hours. We are joined by Sam from Games as Literature. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined. Thanks for watching!

Join us for the first episode of our deep dive into Spec Ops: The Line. After reading developer interviews all last week, I'm more excited about this game than I have been for any game on the podcast in a long time--and that's really saying a lot!

The Ultimate Analysis of Pan's Labyrinth. David Garcia Abril of Spain joins us from Japan where he works as a video game translator. Get ready to delve into the richness of of Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth and see it through new eyes. This podcast was recorded live months ago for those who donate to us on Patreon and Subscribestar. To see other exclusive videos we've done please consider joining the ranks! Leave a comment if you feel so inclined. Thanks for watching!

Join us for the final episode of our Final Fantasy XVI analysis. Today, we'll be joined by The Night Sky Prince, Schrodingersbabyseal, and ProfNoctis in a roundtable discussion where we will discuss the game's themes, technical execution, development history, and the state of the franchise as a whole. GUESTS: The Night Sky Prince: / @thenightskyprince Schrodingersbabyseal: / @schrodingersbabyseal ProfNoctis: / @profnoctis1718

Ultima and Mythos make a Final Fantasy in more ways than one. Now that we've beat the game we can talk about it! Leave a comment if you feel so inclined. Thanks for watching!

Yep, that was a Pokemon The Movie reference... Okay, so now we're going to the continent of Ash to see if we can kill Barnabas there. Vivian stans speak up, I cannot stand her. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined. Thanks for watching!

Moses Tharmr Final Fantasy XVI Analysis (Ep.9) State Of The Arc Podcast by Resonant Arc

Clive and Jill arrive in Twinside, the capital city of the Crystalline Dominion, just as Bahamut begins raging through the skies, destroying everything in his path. All the while, Joshua reveals himself as the Phoenix tries to stop him. Also, Anabella is horrible and continues to be horrible and insufferable, right up to her last moment. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Dion (1:30) 3. Bahamut (30:05) 4. Reunion (1:11:47)

Time to do it. We are finally going to kill King Kupka. This guy has needed to die since the very first scene we saw him in. It's nice to finally be rid of him. First, we have to see Dion and Joshua as well as a new friend named Mid. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Dion and The Emperor (0:53) 3. Dalimil (13:33) 4. King Kupka Fight (20:31) 5. Dion and The Phoenix (44:35) 6. Mid Sidequest (56:19) 7. Cid’s Grave (1:19:48) 8. The Final Sin (1:26:06)

Turns out Sir Wade somehow survived the encounter with Ifrit and the Phoenix at the beginning of the game! Great news, because Wedge, I mean Wade (Wadge?), has been a thorn in Anabella's side for these many years in the Lazarus district. We meet Uncle Byron, who is an amazing character, and Jill moves toward her past with the intent to make penance for the wrongs she's done in her life. After all that, we get to face King Kupka for the first time. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Sir Wade (1:21) 3. Uncle Byron (12:45) 4. Jill’s Atonement (20:24) 5. King Kupka (54:00)

It has been 5 years since that day. The day we first destroyed a Mothercrystal and the day that Cid gave his life for his cause. Now, there is a new Cid. However, though 5 years have passed, this new Cid doesn't seem much further along in his goal of freeing the bearers than he was before. In fact, things seem worse than ever. We play all the way up to the smiting of the Black Shields, casting their ruin upon the lands of Rosaria. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Comments (2:17) 3. 5-Year Time Skip (33:38) 4. New Hideaway (48:48) 5. The Black Shields (1:00:39)

Now that he has pressed L3 + R3 and finally accepted the truth, Clive is now free to strive for a better purpose, but first, he needs a plan. Clive, Cid, and Jill decide to break into the Mothercrystal at Drakes Head. In doing so, they all quickly realize that saving the planet isn't going to be as easy as they previously believed. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. At Last, You Accept the Truth (3:59) 3. Co-Stabbing a Crystal (18:19) 4. The Dame (38:35) 5. Breaking Into Drake's Head (1:06:53) 6. Typhon (1:18:28) 7. Joshua Returns (1:30:03)

“This thing of darkness I acknowledge mine.” -William Shakespeare In today's episode, Clive must face the darkness he has suppressed for 13 years and press R3 and L3 to accept the truth. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Bahamut and Odin (1:30) 3. The Wages of Guilt (7:25) 4. Jill Wakes Up (17:14) 5. Martha's Rest (22:50) 6. Eastpool (47:15) 7. Return to Phoenix Gate (1:05:31) 8. Confronting the Shadow (1:09:47)

It's time to jump into the full game! Today we're playing up through the next major Eikon battle against Garuda. There's lots to dive into here, with Clive being reunited with Jill, references to the Fallen, the mysterious dominant of fire Clive saw at Phoenix Gate being captured by Waloed, and Cid's little community of outcasts! Time Codes: 1. Intro and Corrections (0:00) 2. Reunine with Jill (5:30) 3. Cid's Hideaway (24:31) 4. The Greatwood (53:44) 5. Caer Norvent (1:04:58) 6. Fighting Benedikta (1:12:57)

Final Fantasy XVI is finally here! Today we're beginning our podcast series analyzing the story of the game. This time, we'll be talking up through the end of the Phoenix Gate sequence, which was all in the demo released last week, but next time we'll move into the content of the full game! Hope everyone enjoys the discussion, and feel free to play along with us! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Opening Narration (3:51) 3. Phoenix vs Ifrit Part 1 (11:38) 4. The Nysa Defile (15:51) 5. Rosalith (39:15) 6. Elwin and Anabella (1:11:11) 7. Clive and Jill (1:14:37) 8. Leaving Rosalith and Stillwind Marsh (1:17:41) 9. Phoenix Gate (1:20:29)

Now we have to look at how this game connects to Nier Replicant and Gestalt, as well as give some more commentary on how the game has affected our lives in general. This was an amazing experience and I hope you all enjoyed it! If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast!

We finish up endings C, D and E! If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. 9S Wakes Up (18:26) 3. Devola and Popola SPOILERS (1:13:56) 4. In the Tower (1:22:06) 5. A2 and 9S Endings (1:44:32) 6. Ending E (2:09:09)

We're going to get to know A2 a lot better and see a very different side of 9S. This is where the game really picks up. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast!

We're back! This is the best episode yet on NieR Automata. We finish the B play through here and unravel even more of the story. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast!

Now we get to see 9S's perspective on the whole ordeal. We get about halfway through route B. We discuss the mythologies of the robots and the backstories to some of the characters, and conclude with a lengthy discussion on Simone DeBeauvoir's The Second Sex. I hope you came prepared because we're about to give your face a fist full of entertainment whether you like it or not! If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Machine Factory (1:47) 3. Back Over Everything (23:29) 4. Simone DeBeauvoir (54:30)

We finish ending A! Starting off at the Machine Village, we make our way past the Flooded City and through to the end of the game. It's a wild ride, so buckle up. If you like the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Machine Village (3:38) 3. Forest Kingdom (20:29) 4. Flooded City (40:42) 5. Copied City (53:00) 6. Death Cult (1:15:10) 7. Eve and A Ending (1:24:05)

Wow! So much to talk about. Perhaps, a bit too much to talk about. If you haven't guessed yet, we did not finish the A playthrough this time either. But it's not our fault! It's that blasted Jean-Paul. That guy, I tell you. We could talk about him for hours. We go from the Amusement park, to the Machine Village and at last, meet with the enemies of the Humans. If you like the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Amusement Park (3:48) 3. Machine Village (20:40) 4. Aliens Underground (1:00:03)

Wow, a lot to dive into right from the beginning of the game. It sounds like maybe 2B wants to kill god, 9S has a lower-than-low opinion of machines, and what does death even mean if you're an Android? Perhaps more importantly, though, is the question: "What does life mean if you're an android?" This is one deep game, and we are very excited to dive into it and give you our thoughts on the story. If you like the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. 2B wants to kill god (2:15) 3. 9S shows up (18:01) 4. Space Station (34:52) 5. Back to Earth (58:53) 6. Adam and Eve (1:18:43) 7. Ship of Theseus (1:35:15)

Welcome to the State of the Arc Podcast! Today we're discussing NieR Automata, a philosophical and introspective game that is actually really fun to play. In this episode, we talk about how the game was made, and what needed to come together in order for it to happen. This is an amazing game and one that seems to marry gameplay with story in a unique way. We talk about Yoko Taro, Yosuke Saito, Keiichi Okabe, Akihiko Yoshida, and of course, philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Sartre, Nietzsche, Pascal, and many others. If you like the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy!

Wow, what a game! We have even more triangle talk to share with you, as well as what much of the symbolism at the end of this game is trying to tell us. We had to record a bit later in the week to cover everything, but hopefully, everyone will have gotten their fill of Final Fantasy VI through this podcast. There is so much to analyze and too much missable content, but in the end, I think we gave FF6 our best and are very eager to hear what else you noticed that we didn't bring up in the comment section. Thank you for watching! This is one of our favorite games of all time. Next week we'll be playing Nier Automata. As always, please like and comment to let YouTube know that these videos are appreciated so they can eventually be shared with other fans of RPGs. Until next week! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Ancient Temple (8:27) 3. Hidon (15:02) 4. Kefka’s Tower (21:37) 5. Kefka (27:26) 6. Escape (58:28) 7. Ending and Theme (1:34:51)

As Celes continues her quest to gather her lost friends--scattered across the four corners of the world--she begins to gain hope and strength. The party grows even larger as we find a few new friends. In this episode, we gather up all the cast and get ready for our final showdown with Kefka. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Crumbs (1:07) 3. Cyan (6:40) 4. Gau (17:05) 5. Terra (25:50) 6. Relm (45:00) 7. Shadow (49:20) 8. Locke (1:01:00)

In the wake of Kefka's worldwide destruction, Celes awakes on a solitary island where she was cared for by Cid for a full year while in a coma. Now she must pick up the pieces of the broken world stretching out before her and bring a last ray of hope to its demoralized population. First, however, she'll need to overcome her own overwhelming despair. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Solitary Island (2:26) 3. Recruiting Sabin (20:20) 4. "Gerad" (29:33) 5. Setzer and Daryl's Tomb (36:33) 6. Recruiting Cyan (54:12) 7. Recruiting Gau (57:59)

Today we have a special episode for you! We're doing a deep dive on the N64's RPG masterpiece, Quest 64! There's a lot about this game's development history and profound story that most RPG fans don't know, so today we'll be diving in to show you how rich this is game truly is!

Time Codes: Intro (0:00) On a Boat (0:32) Thamasa (20:48) Esper Caves (41:24) Magitek Mayhem (58:25) The Warring Triad (1:13:10)

Time Codes: Intro (0:00) Vector (0:52) Cid’s Factory (11:07) Terra’s Story (35:15) Terra Opens the Gate (57:36) Negotiating With Emperor Gestahl (1:11:17)

Time Codes: Intro (0:00) Battle for Narshe (0:55) To Kohlingen (20:05) Zozo and Terra (38:09) Opera (56:35) The Only Airship in the World (1:37:16)

We get to choose our own adventure as our hero's make their separate ways back to Narshe. Banon and Terra have to sneak through the caves, Locke has to changes clothes 30 times and rescue a prisoner, and Sabin meets some new friends despite his proclivity to pass out whenever he comes into contact with water (which is often). If you enjoyed the video, please like and comment, it really helps us out. Thank you! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Terra and Banon (0:53) 3. Locke (13:03) 4. Celes (19:02) 5. Sabin (37:34) 6. Cyan (48:58) 7. The Phantom Train (1:09:08) 8. Gau (1:29:33)

We finish up our time in Figaro castle and meet this complete clown named Kefka. We then make our way to the Returners hideout and learn some very disconcerting news. Then, On the river Anduin, at the falls of Rauros, the Fellowship experiences a parting that splits the group into 3 separate parties. If you enjoyed the video, please like and comment, it really helps us out. Thank you! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Kefka (1:10) 3. A Daring Escape (32:07) 4. South Figaro (57:33) 5. Returners Hideout (1:21:12) 6. The Breaking of the Fellowship (1:38:57)

As soon as you press start, darkness. We descend below the clouds, into the storm above Narshe. From there, we play all the way till about halfway through Figaro Castle. This game is AMAZING! If you enjoyed the video, please like and comment, it really helps us out. Thank you! Time Codes: Intro (0:00) An Approach to Older Games (0:38) Translation Issues (10:57) The Opening Scene (25:24) Prologue (34:28) Narshe (53:45) Old Man’s House (1:03:33) Deus Ex Moogle (1:31:26) To Figaro! (1:43:01)

We are about to embark on an incredible journey into Final Fantasy VI. This will be the oldest game we've analyzed so far on the podcast. It's amazing that a game that's nearly 30 years old still has so much to offer. In this episode, we cover all of the history of the development and some of the early decisions that really made the game so special. If you enjoyed the video, please like and comment, it really helps us out. Thank you! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Dev History (5:40) 3. Spoilers (1:25:07)

We complete the story arc for Jack Ryan, a man without a family. The game ends as brilliantly as it started. Casen had to do this episode remote for a few reasons, but will be back in studio for the first podcast of our next series. Please leave a like and a comment if you feel so inclined. Thank you!

We are finally going to meet Andrew Ryan in this episode... or are we? Atlas gives a lot of promises but... who really is Atlas anyways? And how did our plane crash at the beginning of the game? This and more in another exciting episode of the State of the Arc Podcast! Please leave a like and a comment if you feel so inclined. Thank you!

In This episode, we play through Arcadia and learn a lot more about this Andrew Ryan fellow. I tell ya, the more I learn about him the less I like him. He seems to think he's freed himself from the shackles of god, religion and government but in reality, he has merely replicated those exact same things in a slightly different form right in his city. Please leave a like and a comment if you feel so inclined. Thank you!

In this episode we play through the medial area that contains a little microcosm of the entire game. We continue to loot all of rapture. Give a like and leave a comment if you feel so inclined. Thank you!

A plane falls from the sky. It is on fire. It hits the water and comes apart. There is only one survivor. Oddly enough, the plane happened to crash right at the site of an Atlantean civilization. A city underwater. We play from this point up until the medical area. It's not too much, but there's a lot to cover here. Don't forget to like and comment on the video! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Plane Crash (1:28) 3. Entering Rapture (10:00) 4. Gameplay (38:45)

Bioshock is considered one of the best games of all time. It has a connection with philosophy, art, and psychology that many believe is in line with great cinema. Naturally, this is a perfect fit for our podcast. In this episode, we learn about the developers who made Bioshock, including Ken Levine, Paul Hellquist, Bill Gardener, and others. the work is based in part on Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. Enjoy!

Timecodes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Endings (3:24) 3. Born From a Wish (46:02) 4. Thoughts on Jacob's Ladder (1:14:05) 5. Patreon questions and responses (1:25:53)

Timecodes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Maria is dead again? (0:44) 3. Gravestones (1:47) 4. Final confrontation with Eddie (4:00) 5. Lakeview Hotel (17:25) 6. Watching the video tape (29:24) 7. Final encounter with Angela (54:53) 8. Final confrontation with Pyramid Head (1:02:04) 9. Final encounter with Mary/Maria (1:12:44)

Just want to add that my remarks about there being precisely 23 pistons in the room where Angela relives her trauma may not be correct. Upon closer inspection, though it is admittedly hard to see, there may actually be 24, making them symmetrical in the room. Either way, they could still represent the number of times she was violated. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Exploring/Messages on the walls (2:28) 3. "Tis doubt which leadeth thee to Purgatory" (6:53) 4. Another encounter with Eddie (15:10) 5. Rambling: Pyramid Head images--meaning of gluttonous pig, seductress, and oppressor--which characters are real and which are not, etc. (23:10) 6. Maria is alive? (32:26) 7. Angela's trauma (44:51) 8. What the monsters of Silent Hill 2 represent (52:15)

We are delving deeper into the mysteries of this game. We meet Eddie, learn Laura's name, and then meet Maria. Maria is absolutely fascinating. She has the face of Cameron Diaz but the clothes of Christina Aguilera, so I mean right there you've got a whole episode worth to talk bout. Since Ave Maria means Hail Mary in Latin, I thought it was apt. Thanks for watching! Remember to click "like" and leave a comment, too! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Angela (0:42) 3.Pyramid Head (8:02) 4. Maria (22:28) 5. Eddie and Laura (37:19) 6. The Hospital (47:15) 7. Reunion With Maria(1:02:35)

This is the final episode of our Undertale analysis. We're covering the differences in the genocide route and various endings.

Timecodes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. James in the bathroom (0:43) 3. Angela (23:15) 4. First enemy (35:02) 5. Scariest moment in the game (53:01) 6. Eddie (1:08:34)

We talk about the development history of the classic game Silent Hill 2. It was made by Hiroyuki Owaku, Masahiro Ito, Masahi Tsuboyama, Sato Takayoshi, and Akirayama Oka. Of course, there were many who had a hand in making this game, but these are the notable devs who we will be referencing in this episode. To make a game like this, one has to: 1) be seriously messed up on the inside, 2) have enough sanity to know how messed up you are; yet still function reasonably well in the real world, 3) want to show the entire world how screwed up you are on the inside, 4) know that deep down inside, everyone else is just as messed up as you are. Hats off to those who made this amazing masterpiece.

TJtheEmperor joins us again to analyze the very ending of Xenosaga. We are also joined by Keith, who has some great insights and real-world connections. The game is over, and we are finally getting some answers. However, we also got a ton more questions. So the question-to-answer ratio is still very unfavorable. From Proto Merkabah to KOS MOS getting her angel wings, we get to experience the ending of this amazing experience. Thanks for joining us! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Proto Merkabah (2:54) 3. Fight With Albedo (35:09) 4. It's Gonna Blow! (54:07)

The Japanese version of Xenosaga differs greatly from the American version at precisely this point in the game. There is some very unsettling imagery used in the Japanese version that was passed over in the American version. Once we get to the Song of Nephilim, we begin to understand Albedo in a way that somehow leaves us with more questions than answers. Classic Takahashi. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Gnosis Attack (1:21) 3. Momo and Albedo (27:27) 4. Shion and Jr. Go to Song of Nephilim (54:35) 5. Virgil Returns (1:19:10)

In today's episode, we explore the Hotlands and continually confront Metatron with Alphys support, meet up with Sans at the MTT Resort, and make our way through New Home for the final confrontation with Asgore.

This portion of the game is jaw-dropping. We have been waiting for these moments, and they do not disappoint. This, right here, is why we play Xeno games. The depth and the source material are just too captivating. We cover Nietzsche's Death of God hypothesis, Jung's collective unconscious, and ancient ideas on what a god, angel, or demon really is. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Dr. Mizrahi Reciting The Bible (0:36) 3. The Church (12:01) 4. Inside The Door (28:55) 5. The Death Of God(54:10) 6. You Are Not Yet Ready (1:25:49)

In this very exciting episode, we see the game's true depth. After a brief prison break sequence, we dive into the encephalon of KOS-MOS. Her mind consists of others' memories as well as her own experiences and thoughts. It's a real trip but made this part of the game the most exciting one yet! Time Codes: 1. Housekeeping (0:00) 2. Kukai Foundation Raided (8:41) 3. Prison Escape (21:12) 4. Encephalon Dive (36:39) 5. Shion's Side (57:10) 6. Jr.'s Side (1:14:18)

Turns out, the game is all about alchemy, and it's starting to show. We go over several alchemical concepts that are beautifully illustrated within the game as we move toward the 3rd act of the game. We spend a lot of time with Jr., hear a fantastic fairy tale from the brothers Grimm, and even go sunbathing at a nice space beach! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Jr. Meets the Crew (00:26) 3. Marienkind (10:02) 4. Arrival of the Durandal (39:36) 5. To The Beach (1:03:00) 6. More Mysteries (1:19:21)

In today's episode, we explore the Waterfall area, where we are constantly hounded by the lauded knight Undyne. We also meet a new character, Dr. Alyphs, once reaching her mysterious lab. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Undyne Arc (2:22) 3. Intro To Hotlands and Dr. Alyphs Arc (39:21)

In today's episode, we meet Jr. and his crew, follow the Elsa as it docks with a deep space colony, and learn about Cherenkov's dark and mysterious past. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Shion Gives Ziggy and MOMO a Tour (1:44) 3. Introduction To Jr. and His Crew (3:39) 4. Margulis' Scheming (11:10) 5. Ambush For Jr., Space Battle, Boarding The Enemy Ship (29:41) 6. The Dock Colony (49:15) 7. Cherenkov's Struggles and Shion's Premonition (1:00:50) 8. Turbulence In Hyperspace (1:04:15) 9. Cherenkov's Past and The Cathedral Ship (1:08:03) 10. Cherenkov Transforms Into A Gnosis (1:31:32) 11. KOS-MOS' Secret Weapon (1:52:10)

In today's episode, we have a fantastic hyperspace battle, paths coincide, and we learn a bit more about the most mysterious characters in the game. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Back Aboard the Woglinde (0:45) 3. KOS MOS Sleeping (17:24) 4. Ziggy and Momo Escape (33:28) 5. Hyperspace Battle (50:16) 6. Special Q&A Session (1:04:15)

In today's episode, we meet the crew of the Elsa, including an exceptionally mysterious young man named chaos. We're also introduced to Ziggurat 8, who goes on a mission to rescue a 100-Series Observational Relian girl named Momo. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Clarifications and corrections from last week (2:52) 3. The Elsa and introduction to Matthews' crew (12:10) 4. Shion's comlink with KOS-MOS and introduction to chaos (22:09) 5. Chaos Kills a Gnosis (38:23) 6. Introduction to Wilhelm (44:40) 7. Margulis and Pellegri (48:55) 8. Ziggurat 8 and S.O.C.E. (53:37) 9. MOMO and Margulis (1:10:16) 10. Ziggy's Infiltration (1:12:07)

In this episode of our Xenosaga podcast, we get to fight some gnosis. The trouble with fighting gnosis is that it's futile, as you're fighting against knowledge itself, which seeks you out from all corners... other than that, we get to see some flashbacks and dreams. Join us as we analyze!

In this episode of our Xenosaga podcast, we go over the foreshadowing and symbolism of the first hour or two of the game. There is a lot of depth here, and even though Mike and I haven't played this game yet, we can see some possibilities of where this might be headed, and we're all for it.

In this first episode of our Xenosaga deep-dive, we talk about the entire series' development history! We're joined by TJTheEmperor, who has made one of the best Xenosaga Retrospectives on YouTube! Check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9WYst0j9ac&ab_channel=TJTheEmperor Symfonikev's channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puUjEp04Gg0&ab_channel=symfonikev

I know most of you were expecting Xenosaga Ep.1 this week. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish editing it in time. I'm going through a very difficult time in my life right now, and it has been tough to do the preparation and work necessary for these podcasts. I'm doing my best to get back on track. That said, until next week, please enjoy this early release of our exclusive podcast on Undertale. Part 2 will be available later today on patreon and SubscribeStar. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Toriel Arc (8:08) 3. Sans and Papyrus Arc (32:08)

On this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast, we finally finish Metal Gear Solid. The Snakes fight, we learn a lot about Liquid, then Naomi Hunter gives us a very direct and lengthy moral message about herself instead of telling Snake when he's going to die. There might even be an after-credits scene or two! Also, wanna find out what Liquid's tattoo means...? 1 . Intro (0:00) 2. The Snakes Fight (00:14) 3. Symbolism of Liquid Snake (13:59) 4. The Fight Continues (31:57) 5. The End (45:05)

Welcome back! On this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast, we check out how much of a liar Roy Campbell is. Also, we see if Naomi Hunter isn't a huge liar or not. Then, after that, we get lied to by some more people. Luckily for us, the enemies we fight tend to be very honest and give us some valuable and helpful information, unlike the people we report to on our team. We daringly escape from jail and fight Liquid Snake, Sniper Wolf, and Vulcan Raven. 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Escaping the Cell (0:14) 3. His Only Friends (22:08) 4. Fight With Liquid (39:56) 5. Fight With Sniper Wolf (49:21) 6. Fight With Vulcan Raven (1:01:58) 7. Eavesdropping on Liquid and Ocelot (1:16:47)

In today's episode, Meryl's years of psychotherapy fail miserably after 10 minutes, Psycho Mantis completely misdiagnoses Snake, and we get into a shoot-out with Sniper Wolf. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Finding Meryl (1:54) 3. Psycho Mantis (16:19) 4. Metal Gear Solid's "Uniqueness" (57:17) 5. Sniper Wolf (1:06:53) 6. Snake Captured And Tortured (1:27:51)

Welcome back! On this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast, we finally play the game! We get to flirt with all the girls, sneak past a few guards and destroy a tank all by ourselves. The story is paced with silly moments and serious themes as we try to solve the mystery of Shadow Moses Island; very reminiscent of a 90's game. Timecodes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Beginning of the game (0:33) 3. DARPA Chief (21:12) 4. Revolver Ocelot (34:00) 5. Deepthroat (55:12) 6. Cyborg Ninja (1:05:02)

Welcome back! On this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast, we look into the briefing section of Metal Gear Solid. This covers characters like Naomi, Campbell, Solid Snake and a few others. Snake is very excited to get to know Naomi better. Maybe they'll go out sometime. Unless, of course, he meets another woman. And all bets are off if yet another one shows up.

Let's take a close look at the development of Metal Gear Solid. In this episode, we look into the past of Hideo Kojima, the auteur who created the Metal Gear series. We also study some of the unique tactics employed by the developers.

We analyze Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, which we both consider to be Miyazaki's highest achievement in film.

Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Reevaluating The Intro Scene (1:51) 3. Explaining The Besaid Mandala (22:21) 4. Responding To Questions And Comments (50:03)

1. Intro (0:00) 2. Missed things from last episode (1:45) 3. Fighting Sin (7:05) 4. Entering Sin (21:51) 5. After Defeating Yu Yevon (54:43) 6. Is Tidus Gone Forever? (1:15:48

In today's episode, we arrive at Zanarkand and learn the true depth of Yevon's lies. For next week, finish the game! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Descending down into Zanarkand (1:23) 3. There is no Final Aeon (20:14) 4. Meeting Yunalesca (39:03) 5. Finding a new way (1:04:35) 6. Back to Bevelle (1:20:48) 7. Preparing for the final battle (1:35:30)

In today's episode, we cross the plains of the Calm Lands, scale Mount Gagazet, and discover the biggest plot twist of the entire game. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. The Calm Lands (2:27) 3. Cavern Of The Stolen Fayth (10:33) 4. Mount Gagazet (17:50) 5. Seymour Boss Fight #3 (43:32) 6. You Are A Dream (53:19) 7. Mountain Cave And Sanctuary Keeper (1:30:50)

For next week, we played up through the end of Mt. Gagazet, just after the fight with the Santuary Keeper and Tidus listens to Yuna's final message. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. The Guardian Wyrm Evrae and Wedding Ceremony At Bevelle (1:58) 3. Bevelle Temple (18:09) 4. Imprisonment and Trial (24:18) 5. Seymour Fight #2 (50:01) 6. Back To Macalania Woods (1:02:08)

In today's episode, we fight with Seymour, Find ourselves in the middle of a desert, Barely escape with our lives, and watch as the Al Bhed destroy their own home. Big thanks to Dansg08 for talking with us about Sin and the place where we find ourselves after we fall through the Ice at Lake Macalania. Find his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzV3Xt_qXi8KaaBR58q-qFg Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Arriving at Macalania Temple (1:01) 3. Anima (11:51) 4. Seymour is pretty dead now (18:14) 5. Dansg08 Explains Macalania Lake (24:38) 6. Al Bhed Home (55:24) 7. Airship (1:14:34) 8. Fun info about the Al Bhed (1:24:35)

Our analysis of the film Arrival.

In today's episode, we cross the Thunder Plains, traverse Macalania Woods, thwart another attempted kidnapping, and moderate a religious debate between Waka and Riku. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. The Thunder Plains (0:37) 3. Macalania Woods (10:29) 4. Break Down Of Braska's Design (24:50) 5. Jecht Spheres (32:01) 6. Al Bhed Kidnapping Attempt (39:51) 7. Al Bhed Language Spoiler (42:18) 8. Wakka's Religious Argument With Rikku (43:26) 9. Snow Mobile Ride With Lulu (52:09)

In today's episode, we arrive in Guadosalam, get a tour of Seymour's holodeck, and visit Spira's afterworld, a.k.a. the Farplane. 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Entering Guadosalam and Talking To Maechen (1:54) 3. Seymour's Holodeck (19:00) 4. Conversations With Lulu and the Farplane (31:55) 5. Jyscal Walks Out Of The Farplane/Leaving Guadosalam (53:18)

1. Intro (0:00) 2. Dose Temple (0:22) 3. Moonflow (36:54) 4. Shoepuff (40:04) 5. Rikku (1:12:25) 6. Comments (1:21:40) 7. SPOILERS Discussion (1:24:29)

For next time, play up to Guadosalam. In today's episode, we hit the Mi'ihen Highroad! Sin attacks inland areas too, it seems. After a beautiful moment with Yuna, we head out towards more of the death and sadness that constantly threatens Spira. There's lots of good stuff here, so let's dive in! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Mi’ihen Highroad (0:42) 3. Tidus and Yuna at Sunset (30:46) 4. Towards the Crusaders (49:16) 5. Sin Attacks (1:19:38) 6. SPOILERS Discussion (1:40:26)

Time Codes: 1. Into (0:00) 2. More thoughts on Lulu's outburst (0:30) 3. Kilika Temple (03:07) 4. Leaving Kilika (22:11) 5. Arriving In Luca and The Blitzball Tournament (49:22) 6. Auron Is Spotted In Luca (57:32) 7. Yuna Gets Kidnapped By The Al Bhed (1:03:53) 8. Auron Arrives/Blitzball Championship (1:23:22) 9. Tidus Confronts Auron (1:32:13) 10. The Infamous Laughing Scene (1:37:35) 11. Responding To Some Comments From Episode 3 (1:49:30)

In today's episode, Tidus travels with Yuna to Kilika Temple. On the way, we see how destructive a force Sin can be in Spira, and how much Yuna knows about Jecht. We get a good look at Yuna and how her character design may foreshadow certain things about her story. That sending scene is beautiful. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Wakka and Lulu talking (0:10) 3. Going to the Boat (12:26) 4. Aboard the Boat (27:32) 5. The Aftermath of Sin (57:04) 6. The Road to Kilika Temple (1:14:12) 7. SPOILERS Discussion (1:30:01)

In today's episode, we finally make it to Spira. We meet Rikku, Wakka, Yuna, Kimahri and Lulu. The story is just getting started but there is a lot of stuff that most players will not have noticed when they first played the game. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Ghostly Figure Identity (00:24) 3. Spira (2:28) 4. Diving Expedition(17:00) 5. Wakka (37:22) 6. Besaid Temple (56:15) 7. Yuna (1:10:05) 8. SPOILERS Section (1:24:26)

In today's episode, we analyze the game's opening scenes, including Tidus' hometown of Zanarkand being destroyed by Sin. This sequence is PACKED with lots of good stuff! Time Codes: 1. Into (0:00) 2. Casen's Title Screen Thoughts (4:44) 3. Opening Scene (Title Screen Scene) (08:47) 4. Proper First Scene (Introduction To Zanarkand) (12:41) 5. Mike's Take On Complaints About Tidus' Voice (20:51) 6. Casen's Thoughts On Clothing And Wardrobe (31:59) 7. Tidus Interacts With Fans Before Heading To The Blitzball Arena (34:37) 8. Sin's Attack (48:49) 9. Auron's Character Design (53:51) 10. Fleeing Sin, Entering Spira (1:00:03)

In the first episode of our Final Fantasy X podcast series, we recount the development history of the game and the key developers who created this PS2 masterpiece. Time Codes: 1. Into (0:00) 2. Key Developers (4:37) 3. Development History (24:42) 4. Recognizing Stylistic Differences In FF Games (59:01)

In the final episode of our Vagrant Story analysis, we finish the second half of the story, discuss more developer interviews, and answer questions from the audience! We hope you enjoyed this series! Final Fantasy X will be next! Time Codes: 1. Into (0:00) 2. Ashley Spies On Samantha And Guildenstern (2:05) 3. Ashley Fights Rosencrantz (10:53) 4. Merlose Becomes A Heart-Seer (22:39) 5. Tierger And Neesa/Guildenstern Arrives At The Grand Cathedral (38:41) 6. Guildenstern Catches Up With Hardin, Merlose, And Joshua (40:46) 7. Sydney Is Bardorba's Son (1:00:11) 8. Sydney Faces Off Against Rosencrantz (1:05:17) 9. Sydney Faces Off Against Guildenstern (1:15:39) 10. Ashley Arrives Late/Final Fight With Guildenstern (1:22:23) 11. Ashley Comes To Terms With His Past (1:37:21) 12. Analysis Of The Ending (1:45:08)

In the next episode, we'll be finishing the game. I know that's a lot of game to get through, and you might have to break it up over a few play sessions, but the story is VERY spread out over the rest of the game. In the second episode of our Vagrant Story deep-dive, we see Sydney's use of power on others, including Ashley himself. Is Sydney going to convince the one who hunts him to become his disciple instead? Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Ashley Compels Hardin (0:34) 3. Guildenstern Samantha and Ashley Meet (5:26) 4. Snowfly Forest (14:58) 5. Sydney: “Follow Me, Ashley Riot” Scene (35:45)

In the second episode of our Vagrant Story deep-dive, we explore the once-thriving city of Lea Monde. After an Earthquake, this city became abandoned. Those who remain live a cursed life; as there is a dark power lurking beneath. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Lea Monde (0:44) 3. The first battles (15:28) 4. Ashley’s Vision of His Past (33:03) 5. Above Ground (1:14:09)

In the first episode of our Vagrant Story deep-dive, we examine the game's development history and examine the opening cinematics that set the stage for the story! shmuplations interview: https://shmuplations.com/vagrantstory/ Time Codes: 1. Into (0:00) 2. Key Developers (1:50) 3. Things You Should Know Before Playing (5:44) 4. Start Screen Movies (10:55) 5. Opening Scene Of The Game (42:23) 6. Duke Bardoba and Rosencrantz (1:09:30)

In this episode of our Hellblade analysis, we cover the remainder of the game. From the retrieval of Gramr, to the confrontation of Hela. We even go into a bit of the controversy surrounding this game. For Vagrant Story, you'll want to play up to the point where Hardin and Sydney have an argument about whether their cause is lost. Sydney then "compels" Hardin a bit so that he'll calm down and agree. That cutscene is where you want to play up to. Sorry I can't be more specific. It's hard to describe. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Hela’s Bridge (1:07) 3. The Beach Trials (30:36) 4. Pulling Out the New Sword (1:00:06) 5. Confronting Hella (1:20:52) 6. Responding to the Polygon Article (1:42:37)

Quick announcement! We'll be uploading the podcast tomorrow instead of today. We apologize for the delay. I'm recovering from a medical procedure and Casen is recovering from illness.

In this episode of our Hellblade analysis, we cover the development history and the intro of the game up through the Surtr and Valravn boss fights! Time Codes: 1. Into (0:00) 2. Development History (6:20) 3. Mike's Experience With Voice Hearing (45:44) 4. Senua's Arrival In Helheim (1:09:02) 5. Trials of Fire and Surtr (1:40:18) 6. Valravn (1:51:47)

In the last episode of our Final Fantasy Tactics analysis, we finish up chapter 4 and respond to comments from our viewers! Thank you for joining us for this series. Next week we'll be covering Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Beginning of Ch. 4 (1:41) 3. Ramza and Delita (11:10) 4. Poisoning Soldiers (49:52) 5. Looking for Alma (1:31:53) 6. The Nether World (2:05:06) 7. The Ending (2:27:15) 8. Q&A (2:56:49)

In today's episode, we finish chapter 3, where Ramza appeals to Zalbaag, hoping he will do something about Dycedarg's scheming. Then, he heads off to stop the church from escalating the war between Larg and Goltanna. Meanwhile, Delita and Ovelia grow closer and he secretly plots to overthrow the nobility. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Goltana and Council (00:23) 3. Meeting Orran Durai (10:33) 4. Meeting with Zalbag (13:38) 5. The Inquisition (22:04) 6. Inclusion of Fantasy and the Divine (42:49) 7. Book of Germonique and Christianity (1:01:29) 8. Delita and Ovelia (1:59:46) 9. Marach and Rafa (2:25:04) 10. Riovanes Castle (2:37:45)

In today's episode, we dive into the opening chapter of Final Fantasy Tactics! We also spend time on the movies that play on the start screen, how the game is framed by Arazlam's narration, and cover everything from Orbonne Monastery through the Thieve's Fort/Brigand's Den battle. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Title Screen Movies (0:30) 3. Arazlam's Narrated Intro and Opening Credits (13:07) 4. Orbonne Monastery (19:01) 5. Gariland (38:14) 6. The Death Of Barbaneth Beoulve (43:54) 7. Mandalia Plains/Rescuing Algus (51:37) 8. Eagrose Castle (56:48) 9. Dorter (1:08:58) 10. Sand Rat's Sietch (1:12:42) 11. Return To Eagrose Castle (1:16:47) 12. Brigand's Den (1:19:52) 13. Eagrose Attacked! (1:20:45)

In today's episode, we finish up the end of chapter 1, where Tietra meets with a tragedy that changes Delita forever. Then we move full steam into chapter 2, where the Church of Glabados enters center stage. We're covering all of chapter 2 so strap in. There's a lot to discuss! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Finishing Chapter 1 (1:59) 3. Chapter 2/Orbonne Monastery and Dorter (41:59) 4. Zeirchele Falls (49:49) 5. The Castled City of Zaland (1:14:51)) 6. Balias Tor and Accompanying Cutscenes (1:25:45) 7. Lionel Castle and Goug Machine City (1:46:44) 8. Port City of Warjilis, Golgollada Gallows (2:03:14) 9. Delita and Ovelia at Lionel Castle (2:15:40) 10. Weigraf At the Lenalian Plateau (2:24:50) 11. Lionel Castle, End of Chapter 2 (2:26:04)

In the first episode of our Final Fantasy Tactics deep-dive, we look at the development history of the game, including Yasumi Matsuno's transition from creating the Ogre series at Quest to working with Hironobu Sakaguchi at Square Soft. We also dive into the background of Ivalice--its kings and its wars--and how those things relate to the overall situation at the start of the game. 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Development History(1:06) 3. Background On Ivalice, Its Kings, And Its Wars (1:05:02)

In the final episode of our deep-dive analysis of Mass Effect, we escape the Citadel with Captain Anderson's help, pursue Saren through the Mu relay, learn about the fate of the Protheans, and fight to the bitter end to stop Sovereign from reawakening the Reapers and destroying all organic life in the galaxy! 1. Final Fantasy Tactics Won The Vote! (0:00) 2. Grounded On The Citadel (3:24) 3. Ilos (10:09) 4. The Conduit and Saving The Citadel (37:10) 5. Discussion On The Ending (1:06:43) 6. Discussion On How Romance Was Handled (1:12:28) 7. Overall Feelings On ME1 (1:22:33) 8. Responding To Comments (1:28:21)

In the fourth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Mass Effect, we move over to Feros, following more leads. After resolving the mysterious happenings on Feros, we head on to VIrmire, which is basically Rogue One - minus a few very trivial details. 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Some Side Quests (1:05) 3. Feros (30:13) 4. Virmire (1:08:55) 5. Return to the Citadel (2:05:06) **We’re Now On Spotify**: open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: @resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stat…st/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: pca.st/NJsJ Join Our Discord Server: discord.gg/vWzXpTc Patreon Page: www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: www.facebook.com/resonantarc

In the third episode of our deep-dive analysis of Mass Effect, we head out into the Attican Traverse to follow leads on Saren. First, we head to Therum to rescue a Prothean researcher named Liara, an Asari who also happens to be the daughter of Matriarch Benezia. Then we head to Noveria to confront the Matriarch herself. 1. Vote For The Next Game Now! (0:00) 2. Asteroid X57 and Side Quests (1:40) 3. The Galaxy Map (07:33) 4. Liara's Dig Site (17:52) 5. Noveria (43:44) 6. Developing Trust And Romance With Your Squad (1:23:45) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/vWzXpTc Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

In the second episode of our deep-dive analysis of Mass Effect, we arrive at the Citadel to report to the council about Saren's involvement with the Geth attack on Eden Prime. After being dismissed due to a lack of evidence, we begin our own investigation in order to provide proof of Saren's betrayal. 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Arriving At The Citadel (2:45) 3. Learning About The Keepers (25:31) 4. Hearing With The Citadel Council (31:09) 5. Feelings On The Renegade Path (40:20) 6. Finding Evidence Against Saren (56:54) 7. Presenting The Evidence To The Council (1:08:57) 8. Updated Thoughts On Female Shepard's Voice (1:13:20) 9. Additional Notes On The Citadel And Side Quests (1:15:17) 10. Thoughts On How Romance Is Handled In This Game (1:36:52)

In the first episode of our deep-dive analysis of Mass Effect, we cover the development history of this classic BioWare RPG. We'll introduce you to the creators who conceived the world and show how they secured the opportunity to create a brand new IP for BioWare. We also recount the prologue mission to Eden Prime! 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Our Personal Experiences With Mass Effect (3:15) 3. Dev History (13:01) 4. Brief Background On The Mass Effect Universe (1:04:26) 5. Prologue Mission "Eden Prime" (1:09:17) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/vWzXpTc Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

On the final episode of our Xenogears analysis, we bring back Retrograde Amnesia as well as Patrick Holleman to discuss some of the more confusing aspects of the story and the philosophy that inspired it. We also answer questions from the audience to further elaborate on our feelings on the game overall. This is a long one, so grab some popcorn! Retrograde Amnesia's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZMfpromeak2dHU4IybFYw Patrick Holleman's Game Design Forum Website: http://thegamedesignforum.com/ Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. The Story Behind The Spoken Audio Clip In The Track Knight Of Fire (4:10)) 3. Does Xenogears Have The Best Cast Of Villains? (7:42) 4. What Exactly Did The Gazel Ministry/Cain Want With Deus? (12:13) 5. Was The Egyptian God Mahan Worshipped During The Time Of Ramesses II? (24:06) 6. Can You Elaborate Any More On The Details Of The Diabolos Corps? (26:58) 7. Why Did Krelian Need Elly? (32:34) 8. Comments On The Manufactured Conflict Between The Ethos and Shevat (39:05) 9. What Are The Requirements To Resurrect Deus? (44:08) 10. Plato's Influence On Gnosticism (47:21) 11. Thoughts On Fei and Elly's Relationship Now That The Playthrough Is Over? (59:32) 12. Any Thoughts On Xenosaga's Connections to Xenogears? (1:03:06) 13. Theories On Why Deus Was Trying To Go To Lost Jerusalem/Earth? (1:11:07) 14. Which Era In the Xenogears Timeline Would You Like To See Expanded On? (1:15:58) 15. Why Does Grahf Give Power To Bishop Stone/Stein? (1:22:26) 16. Thoughts On How Disc 2 Scenes Were Prioritized? (1:26:04) 17. A Question For Casen About The Translation Of The Creid Album (1:33:10) 18. How Did Xenogears Personally Impact Each Of You? (1:37:40) 19. Can You Comment On What This Game Says About Hierarchies? (2:01:26) 20. How Would You Feel About A Modernized Version Of Xenogears? (2:05:22) 21. Which Element Do You Feel Made Xenogears Work Despite Its Shortcomings? (2:11:57) 22. How Xenogears Makes Comparisons (2:17:45) 23. How Did Takahashi and Tanaka (Soraya Saga) Come Up With This Stuff? (2:28:05) 24. Is The Complexity Of Xenogears Rewarding Or Is There An Element Of Diminishing Returns? (2:32:39) 25. What Is The Relationship Between Miang, Cain, and the Gazel Ministry? (2:39:27) 26. Is The Story Of Xenogears Ideal For A Video Game Or Something Else? (2:47:45) 27. Is There Any Other Game With This Level Of Narrative Density? (2:53:29) 28. Is Xenogears A Masterpiece? (2:57:58) 29. How Do We Feel About Chu-Chu At The End Of This Playthrough? (3:06:41) 30. How Jaques Lacan's "Desire" Explains Lacan's Transformation Into Grahf (3:11:02) 31. Did You Ever Feel Elly Was Going To Die At Some Point? (3:20:41) 32. Could You Give A Bit Of A Retrospective On What Happened With Takahashi Post-Xenogears? (3:25:55) 33. Any Other Interesting Parallels/Similarities Between Xenogears And FF7? (3:33:20) 34. What Did Perfect Works Add To Your Exploration Of Xenogears' Story? (3:36:08) 35. Wrapping Up (3:46:09)

Today's episode is the conclusion of Xenogears story. This is an amazing game with an incredibly deep story. We hope that as we have gone through this game with you--cover to cover, so to speak--that you have gained additional insights and a greater understanding of what this game means. For an allegedly unfinished game, Xenogears has a very complete and beautiful ending. We discuss it here. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Readdressing The Attack on Merkava (1:45) 3. Welcome to Hoth! (5:13) 4. Return to Zeboim (27:13) 5. Final Dungeon (41:53) 6. Inside the wave existence (52:06) 7. Return to Earth (2:02:55)

Play to the end of the game for next time! Today's episode is the penultimate section of Xenogears story. This is where it all comes to a head, where the biggest mysteries are paid off, and where we see Xenogears true message shine through. It is thrilling, dark, and absolutely beautiful. It's also deeply confusing, so we'll do our best to break it all down! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Golgatha (4:31) 3. A Comprehensible Gazel Ministry Scene (13:59) 4. Wiseman Attempts To Galvanize Fei (26:44) 5. Entering Merkava (30:38) 6. Ramsus Backstory/Fei's Mother Was Miang! (34:36) 7. Confronting Krelian and Miang (46:19) 8. What Is The Zohar A Reference To? (1:04:49) 9. Continuing With The Breakdown Of Miang's Monologue (1:07:43) 10. What Is The Kadamony A Reference To? (1:19:02) 11. The Merkava Emerges (1:23:19)

For next time, play up to the part where Merkava crashes back to earth. In today's episode of -our- deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, "Disk 2" happens. If -you- are "prepared", it's not so -bad-. If -you- aren't "prepared"... well, -we- were -both- "prepared". So that was -good-. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Fei and Elly’s memories (1:28) 3. Regenerating with Melchior (12:58) 4. Releasing the nano-machines (34:00) 5. Ramsus importance in the story (1:09:56) 6. Fei and Elly’s relationship (1:37:25) 7. Mahanon (1:59:39)

QUICK UPDATE: We have fallen below our funding goal for the podcast. This means that unless we can get it back up, the show will go back to a monthly release schedule rather than weekly. If you appreciate the work we're doing, and would like for the podcast to remain a weekly show, please support us on Patreon or SubscribeStar. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc For the next episode, play up through Razael's Tree! In today's episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, Citan unbetrays us and helps us escape from Solaris, but not before we are betrayed by Hammer and confronted by Grahf. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Krelian Discovers The Uroborus Ring In Elly's Introns (3:53) 3. Citan Patronizes Fei (28:12) 4. Ramsus Threatens Elly (40:01) 5. Citan Wields A Sword Now (46:21) 6. Escaping Solaris Hammer's Betrayal (51:08) 7. Battle Against Grahf and Destruction of Solaris (1:03:23) 8. Elly Confronts Id (1:17:29) 9. Back To Shevat/Citan Explains Fei's Disassociative Identity Disorder (1:19:33) 10. Shevat's Leaders Vote To Put Fei In Carbon Freeze (1:29:56)

In today's episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, we enter Solaris and uncover its darkest secrets, all while being led on a path by Citan, whose true motives are revealed once and for all. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Entering Solaris' 3rd Class F Block (3:07) 3. Solaris' 2nd Class Block (12:18) 4. Emperor Cain/Krelian's Speech (22:59) 5. Elly's House (46:35) 6. Fei Reunites With Citan (1:09:23) 7. The Soylent System (1:19:42) 8. Solaris' Facilities (1:37:17) 9. Citan's "Betrayal" (1:53:34)

For the next episode, finish disk 1! In the fourteenth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, we leave Shevat and head down to find a way into Solaris. After destroying gates and finding Emeralda, we finally make our way to Solaris, Elly's home. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Cleansing Nisan (0:44) 3. To The Cave (33:30) 4. SPOILER, Casen Guesses who Grahf is (38:54) 5. END SPOILER DISCUSSION 1, on to Bart Returns to Bledavik (43:58) 6. Destroying the Second Gate (52:32) 7. To The Third Gate (1:04:26) 8. SPOILER Discussion on Elly (1:06:49) 9. END SPOILER DISCUSSION 2, on to Emeralda (1:15:48)

For the next episode, play up to the point where you enter Solaris. Stop at the very first save point you encounter. In the fourteenth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, the party is admitted into Shevat, where we learn about the war with Solaris 500 years ago, meet with Queen Zephyr, and help defend the city from a Solaris attack. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Introduction To Maria (0:27) 3. Meeting Queen Zephyr (6:03) 4. NPCs And Lore Dumps (8:14) 5. Dominia Infiltrates Shevat (55:31) 6. Nikolai Balthasar Attacks Shevat (1:10:46) 7. Chu-Chu Analysis (1:13:48) 8. Maria Faces Her Father (1:38:10) 9. Zephyr, Wiseman, and Gaspar (1:39:20) 10. The Best Part Of Every JRPG--When You Get Your Airship (1:52:39)

For the next episode, play all the way through the Shevat sequence. In other words, just save the game and stop after leaving Shevat. In the thirteenth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, Id is revealed, Bishop Stone is transformed by Krelian, and we finally get to go inside the Babel Tower. Time Codes: 1. Fei wakes up (0:00) 2. Id shows up (5:05) 3. Fight with Bishop Stone (17:25) 4. On to Babel Tower (52:48)

This episode was split into two parts. For next week, we'll be covering up through the Babel Tower. Save once you enter Shevat and stop there. In the twelfth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, We defeat a Giant Wels with Billy, The Ethos gets wrecked and Elly begins to "remember" a few things about... well, we aren't quite sure yet. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. The Reaper Ship (0:25) 3. Ethos Massacre (11:50) 4. Thames Attacked (25:15) 5. Excavation Site (28:45)

In the tenth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, Fei tries to save Rico from execution, finds the Goliath, and then subsequently crashes it into the ocean. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. The Party Separated (0:56) 3. Fei And Elly's Conversation Out At Sea (11:46) 4. The Thames (32:02) 5. Dominia Attacks (40:48) 6. Miang Sets Elly Free (53:39) 7. Ramsus Attacks (1:06:02) 8. Requesting Help From The Ethos (1:16:19) 9. Spoiler Warning Starting Point (1:24:43) 10. Spoiler End Point (1:28:13) 11. Billy's Orphanage (1:39:28)

In the tenth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, Fei tries to save Rico from execution, finds the Goliath, and then subsequently crashes it into the ocean. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Rico to be executed (0:20) 3. Attack on Nortune (15:03) 4. Searching for the Goliath (44:52) 5. The aftermath of the destruction of Goliath (1:11:30) 6. More Gazel Ministry nonsense (1:20:36)

In the ninth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, Fei enters Nortune's battling arena, investigates the sewers of D-block with Rico, and meets with Kaiser Sigmund! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Nortune Battling Arena (2:47) 3. The Sewers (17:54) 4. Citan's Report To The Emperor (42:22) 5. Elly Shows Doubt About Her Orders (56:46) 6. Back To The Battling Arena (1:01:02) 7. Battle and Conversation With Wiseman (1:03:38) 8. Battle Arena Championship (1:12:16) 9. Introduction to Dominia (1:14:43) 10. Meeting Kaiser Sigmund (1:20:11) 11. Wrapping Up (1:34:01)

In the eighth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, Fei leads an attack against Aveh's military near the border with Kislev. Then, he finds himself having to battle for his own freedom in Kislev's D-Block. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Fei's Divesrion Against Aveh (2:10) 3. Bart's Mission (12:19) 4. The Red Warrior (48:35) 5. Nortune (56:54) 6. Gazel Ministry (1:43:52)

In the seventh episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, Bart confronts Sigurd and Citan about their ties to Solaris. Then, plans are made to usurp power from Shakhan and put Bart back on the throne. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Bart Confronts Sigurd and Citan (0:17) 3. Massive Tangent About A Game We Want Someone To Make (26:08) 4. Battle Plans To Take Back Bart's Throne (33:37) 5. Calm Before The Storm (40:11) 6. Ramsus' Dream (58:21) 7. Franz (1:05:56) 8. Elly Struggles To Assert Her Command (1:08:39) 9. Fei's Confrontation With Elly and Gebler Pilots (1:09:49)

In the sixth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, we escape Bledavik and make our way to Nisan. Here we learn about the origins of Nisan's church and its founding figure (Sophia) who bears a remarkable resemblance to Elly. We also make an effort to summarize Carl Jung's influences on this game. Time Codes: 1. Intro and Update On FF Retrospectives (0:00) 2. Battle Against Ramsus (03:18) 3. Meeting Elly Again (22:18) 4. Citan Sends Messages (Commands?) To Ramsus? (30:42) 5. Chu Chu (35:15) 6. Sigurd Giving Bart Reasons To Distrust Him (41:38) 7. Sigurd's Conversation With Citan (43:40) 8. Nisan (1:05:41) 9. Jungian Influences On Xenogears (1:13:53) 10. Portrait of Sophia (1:47:27)

In the fifth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, the introduction to the Yggrasil through rescuing Margie and... Chu Chu... This part of the game is amazing. The cinematography and the character development we witness here are integral to understanding Xenogears. Timecodes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Yggdrasil (1:06) 3. Enneagram (46:30) 4. Yggdrasil attacked (1:10:50) 5. Ramsus intro (1:26:40) 6. Bledavik (1:38:40) 7. Tournament and Rescue (1:50:45)

In the fourth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, we're joined once again by Chris and Eric from Retrograde Amnesia to cover Dazil through the Yggdrasil. From translation to philosophy, this part of the game sets the stage for all the events that will follow. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Dazil (3:00) 3. Desert (30:10) 4. Grahf (36:40) 5. Captured (1:00:52) 6. Liberation (1:17:20) 7. Caves (1:22:56) 8. Escape from Caves (1:52:42)

In the third episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, we're joined once again by Chris and Eric from Retrograde Amnesia to cover Lahan Village through the Blackmoon forest. There's a lot to talk about in this short introductory section of the game! Retrograde Amnesia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZMfpromeak2dHU4IybFYw Timecodes: 1. Opening Political Exposition Dump (0:00) 2. Thoughts On The Effectiveness Of Xenogears Opening As A Hook (5:31) 3. Lahan Village (16:00) 4. Citan's House (38:12) 5. The Destruction Of Lahan Vilalge (1:01:57) 6. Blackmoon Forest (1:17:05) 7. Wrapping Up (1:41:26)

In this second episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, we're joined by Chris and Eric from Retrograde Amnesia to cover a very basic introduction to gnostic cosmology and the opening cutscene of the game--which is filled to the brim with symbolism and foreshadowing! Retrograde Amnesia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZMfpromeak2dHU4IybFYw Timecodes: 1. Introduction To This Week's Guests (0:00) 2. A Fair Warning About So-Called "Spoilers" (4:05) 3. Extra Tidbits Of Dev History (5:38) 4. An Intro To Gnostic Cosmology (12:03) 5. Analysis Of The Prologue/Opening Cutscene (26:52) 6. Spoiler Warning (1:17:06) 7. End of Spoilers (1:23:03) 8. Wrapping Up (1:35:49)

In the first episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, we cover the development history of this JRPG classic. We'll introduce you to the creators who conceived the world and show how they secured the opportunity to create a brand new IP for Squaresoft--one which was meant to push the industry in ways Final Fantasy simply wasn't doing. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Where To Begin? (4:17) 3. Getting To Know The Creators (9:12) 4. The Purpose Of Criticism (59:27) 5. Religious Controversy (1:11:35) 6. Hellish Localization Efforts of Richard Honeywood (1:23:22) 7. Explaining Aizuchi--There's A Lot Of This In Xenogears (1:38:39) 8. Developers Were Overworked On Xenogears (1:51:26) 9. What To Keep In Mind As You Start Xenogears (2:00:33)

In this fourth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Nier Replicant, we look at Grimoire NieR and other supplementary materials to help us understand the story better. Next, we move on to Xenogears and hope everyone will join us next week! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Overview of the Podcast (1:34) 3. Grimoire Nier (8:00) 4. Emil and Sodom and Gomorrah (1:49:21) 5. Roberto Szeck, Kaine’s Portrait (2:00:55) 6. Greg Troyan, Melodrama (2:03:37) 7. Angst, a few points (2:09:57) 8. ICE, Drakengard Connection (2:15:56) 9. Slave, Disagree on B (2:16:50) 10. Jace1551, localization (2:38:39) 11. Final thoughts and feelings (2:40:53) 12. Ending, onward to Xenogears (2:53:57)

In this third episode of our deep-dive analysis of Nier Replicant, we look at the recontextualization of the B and C routes, as well as endings B, C, D, and E. We also discuss the new Episode Mermaid scenario added to Seafront! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Corrections From Last Time (5:16) 3. Beginning Our Discussion On Route B (35:38) 4. Discussion On The Effectiveness Of Route B's Recontextualization (57:21) 5. Summary Of Each New Scenario In Route B (1:24:21) 6. Scenes Added To Route C (1:49:55) 7. The Aerie And Shadowlord's Castle Recontextualized (1:52:25) 8. Miscellaneous Notes (1:56:26) 9. Thoughts On Ending B (2:06:28) 10. Thoughts On Endings C and D (2:19:20) 11. Thoughts On Ending E (2:31:34) 12. Wrapping Up (2:50:21)

In this second episode of our deep-dive analysis of Nier Replicant/Gestalt, we look at all the key story events leading up to the A ending of the game. Since there is a lot to cover, we will mostly be focusing on summarizing those events and dissecting the technical execution of each scene. Next time, we'll focus a little more on character analysis and philosophy. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Nier Replicant Remaster Thoughts (3:53) 3. Act 1 Revisiting The Aerie (28:04) 4. Act 1 Visiting Facade (42:30) 5. Act 1 Visiting The Forest Of Myth (1:08:45) 6. Act 1 Visiting The Haunted Manor (1:20:49) 7. The End Of Act 1 (1:30:39) 8. Five Year Time Skip--Beginning Of Act 2 (1:40:18) 9. Act 2 Revisiting The Haunted Manor/Underground Lab (1:44:38) 10. Act 2 Freeing Kaine From Petrification (1:52:16) 11. Act 2 Key Fragments To The Shadowlord's Castle (2:02:16) 12. Act 2 Revisiting The Junkheap (2:04:01) 13. Act 2 Revisiting Facade (2:09:38) 14. Act 2 Revisiting The Forest Of Myth (2:18:22) 15. Act 2 Revisiting The Aerie (2:25:42) 16. Act 2 The Shadowlord's Castle And Ending A (2:39:07) 17. Wrapping Up (3:19:23)

In this first episode of our deep-dive analysis of Nier Replicant/Gestalt, we look at the key members of the development staff and the reasoning behind their creative decisions in turning Nier into its own IP rather than a direct Drakengard sequel. We also examine the thought process and style of director Yoko Taro, and how his observations of human nature shaped the themes of Nier. After that, we dive into Nier’s prologue, show why it is such a strong hook for the story, and continue up through the Junkheap and Seafront areas. Time Codes: 1. Introduction (0:00) 2. Development History (05:06) 3. Drakengard E Ending Spoiler Warning (27:25) 4. What is Nier's Core Theme? (39:30) 5. Summary and Analysis of Nier's Prologue (1:02:32) 6. Summary and Analysis of the Village (1:20:13) 7. Summary and Analysis of Lost Shrine (1:29:31) 8. Summary and Analysis of Song of the Ancients (1:37:33) 9. Summary and Analysis of the Aerie (1:44:02) 10. Summary and Analysis of the Junkheap (2:03:18) 11. Summary and Analysis of Seafront (2:10:56) 12. Wrapping Up (2:15:14)

In this episode, we analyze the end of disc 3 and the conclusion of the story in disc 4 of Final Fantasy 8. This culminates in the party entering the Lunatic Pandora to confront Seifer and Adel, as well as the initiation of time compression, and the final showdown with the sorceress Ultimecia herself. Time Codes: 1. What Game Are We Covering Next? (0:00) 2. Flower Field Scene And Additional Thoughts On Opening FMV (3:11) 3. The Role Of The Sorceress' Knight (32:00) 4. Explaining Time Compression And Who Ultimecia Is (39:15) 5. Meeting Laguna And The Process Of Surviving Time Compression (51:29) 6. Thoughts On How Seifer Was Handled In The Final Act (1:13:08) 7. End Of The Game (1:26:31) 8. Casen Reconsiders His Opinion About Squall On The Ragnarok (1:34:39) 9. FF8's Greatest Strengths And Weaknesses (1:47:09) 10. Why We Don't Want To Discuss Fan Theories (1:52:21) 11. Response To A Comment On Our Critique Of Galbadia vs. Balamb Garden (2:00:14) 12. Thank You To Those Who Watched And Commented On This Series (2:04:18) 13. Touching On The Lore Of The Great Hyne (2:05:26) 14. Response To A Comment On Our Critique Of Basketball Court Scene (2:10:55) 15. Response To A Comment On Our Critique Of Vocal Eyes On Me During Romantic Scene (2:15:16) 16. Our Apology To Throwaway Mcgee (2:19:15) 17. Thoughts On Ultimecia As A Villain (2:21:40) 18. Does The Many Worlds Theorum Apply To FF8? (2:23:00) 19. Response To A Comment About Dialogue Options For Squall (2:24:55) 20. Response To A Comment About Error Ratio (2:27:36) 21. A Female Perspective On The Romance In FF8 (2:31:46) 22. More Comments On Dialogue Options For Squall (2:32:28) 23. Response To "It's A Fantasy Story" As A Dissmisal of Criticism (2:33:42) 24. Wrapping Up (2:45:19)

In this episode, we analyze disc 3 of Final Fantasy 8, which begins with Squall waking up in his room at Balamb Garden and realizing Rinoa has fallen into a coma. As Edea unveils that a sorceress from the future is behind all the chaos that's been happening, Squall is forced to evaluate his feelings, his emotional trauma, and whether he wants to continue leading the Garden--all while his desperation to save Rinoa boils over.

In this third episode of our deep-dive into Final Fantasy VIII, we examine the entirety of disc two, which includes an escape from D-District Prison, the destruction of a Galbadian missile base, navigating a civil war within Balamb Garden, crashing into Fisherman's Horizon, saving Balamb Village from the clutches of the Sorceress, learning the truth of our characters' origins in a certain orphanage, and a final clash between Balamb and Galbadia Garden!

In this second episode of our deep-dive into Final Fantasy VIII, we examine the graduation of our party members from students at Balamb Garden into full members of SeeD, then continue all the way through the end of disk 1--which culminates with the failed assassination attempt on the sorceress Edea.

In this first episode of our deep-dive into Final Fantasy VIII, we look at the key members of the development staff and the reasoning behind their decisions to mix things up and take FF8 in a very different direction from past entries. We also examine the style of director Yoshinori Kitase and character designer Tetsuya Nomura--this being their first opportunity to do things the way they saw fit without the oversight of Hironobo Sakaguchi. What makes a strong hook? Are the characters convincing? Was the setting relatable and compelling? We answer these questions and more after playing through the opening hours of Final Fantasy 8! Time Codes: 1. Introduction To Our Analytical Process (1:09) 2. Our Personal History And Opinions Of FF8 (6:29) 3. Development History And Influences (11:36) 4. Summary Of What We Played For This Episode (49:06) 5. Analysis Of The Game's Style (58:30) 6. Early Thoughts On Characters (1:27:00) 7. Other Observations (1:42:20) Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/vWzXpTc Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

You guys have voted for Final Fantasy VIII to be our first game to cover in a multi-episode, long-form analysis. We've got lots of great info ready for the first episode! Looking forward to sharing it with you. Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/vWzXpTc Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We will be adjusting our podcast format starting with the next episode! Moving forward, we are going to have the audience select a game for us to do a deep dive on, which we will analyze over multiple episodes. Please vote on which game you'd like us to start with by clicking on the following strawpoll: https://www.strawpoll.me/21134118 Time Codes: 1. Patreon Announcements (0:51) 2. Changing The Format Of The Podcast (02:51) 3. Are Great Artists Destined To Lose Their Touch? (07:00)

Final Fantasy XVI has been officially announced, and today we're giving our thoughts on the first trailer. We'll also discuss what we've been up to over the past few months, give some updates on videos we're working on, and more! Steel Lake Studio: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtO2ECGzLXSaimfQtwbvv6w Parallel Quest Podcast: https://www.steellakestudio.com/parallelquest FF16 Japanese Trailer (Eng Subtitles): https://twitter.com/aitaikimochi/status/1307339397986095104 Time Codes: 1. Final Fantasy Retrospectives Updates and Announcements (6:55) 2. What We've Been Up To (16:45) 3. Final Fantasy XVI Impressions (40:05) 4. Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X Price Announcements (1:31:30) 5. Super Mario 3D Allstars Limited Run Controversy (1:36:50)

We're back in the studio again! Today we discuss how recent events are accelerating change in the game industry, how Lost Odyssey explores the burdens of immortal life, and the problems with writing time travel stories. Time Codes: 1. Accelerating Change In The Game Industry (3:15) 2. How Lost Odyssey Explores The Burdens Of Immortality (19:15) 3. The Problem With Writing Time Travel Stories (53:35)

Pat Holleman joins me again, alongside Hian (a game developer living and working in Japan) to talk more about our thoughts on the Final Fantasy VII Remake as well as what we think the "spirit" of Final Fantasy is. We also dig into series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi's JRPG formula. Pat's Upcoming Video Game "Quartet": https://quartetrpg.com/ Pat's Reverse Design Series: http://thegamedesignforum.com/books/books.html Time Codes: 1. Final Fantasy VII Remake Spoiler Discussion (2:54) 2. What Is The Spirit Of Final Fantasy? (58:28)

Time Codes: How Has Your Audience Responded To The Ending?: 3:58 What Were Your Expectations For FF7R When First Announced?: 12:27 How Do You Define A Remake? What Is The Purpose Of A Remake?: 27:47 Was Square's Marketing Misleading?: 53:26 What Do You Think Square Got The Most Right With FF7R?: 1:06:14 Discussion On FF7R's Design Philosophy And Similarity To FF13: 1:18:35 Discussion On FF7R's Combat Mechanics: 1:52:45 Discussion On Story Expansion And Changes: 2:20:50 Patreon Questions: Which Character Got The Best Treatment In FF7R?: 2:50:26 How Do You Feel About Cloud Standing Toe To Toe With Sephiroth So Early In The Story?: 2:52:42 How Would You Do An Alternate/Parallel Universe Story Faithfully To The Original Game: 2:58:00 How Did You Feel About The Death Fakeout Scene?: 3:02:26 What Are Your Thoughts On The Possible Meta Narrative Elements Of The Ending?: 3:08:35

Today we discuss our thoughts on Dragon Quest Your Story, Final Fantasy The Spirits Within, and the Final Fantasy VII Remake demo. Casen's Dragon Quest Your Story Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak3oANe5dfs TIME CODES: 1. Patreon Questions (2:36) 2. Should Adaptions Be Judged By Faithfulness To Source Material? (22:29) 3. Thoughts On Dragon Quest Your Story (39:25) 4. Thoughts On Final Fantasy The Spirits Within (50:40) 5. Final Fantasy VII Remake Demo Thoughts (1:13:23)

Today we discuss what we believe the "spirit" of Final Fantasy is, as well as what makes a good "foil" character. TIME CODES: 1. What Is The Spirit Of Final Fantasy? (6:22) 2. What Makes A Good Foil Character? (35:00)

Today we give our thoughts on the Witcher Netflix series and look back on our favorite games of both 2019 and the last decade as a whole. TIME CODES: 1. Thoughts On The Witcher (Netflix) (2:52) 2. Our Favorite Games Of 2019 (33:06) 3. Our Favorite Games Of The Decade (1:05:05)

Today we give our thoughts on getting older, and how it changes our thoughts on seeking for exciting experiences in life vs. creating them for a younger generation. TIME CODES: 1. Responses To Last Week’s Podcast (2:37) 2. FF7 Remake Trailer Thoughts (1:01:08) 3. How Getting Older Changes Your Perception (1:32:38) 4. Community Stories (1:59:26) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Casen’s Video On Learning Japanese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4TchPa3c58 COMMUNITY STORIES: Lipstick Generation Music Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpUWMCV6FyE Lipstick Generation Website: http://www.lipstickgeneration.com/ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

Today we give our thoughts on last week’s lengthy and announcement filled Nintendo Direct, as well as the new Netflix Original Dark Crystal series. TIME CODES: 1. Nintendo Direct Thoughts Start At (1:38) 2. Super Smash Bros Announcements (9:43) 3. Dragon Quest XI S (13:02) 4. Tokyo Mirage Sessions (15:15) 5. Deadly Premonition 2 (25:09) 6. Pokemon Sword and Shield (29:19) 7. Star Wars Jedi Knight II (44:12) 8. Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition (53:49) 9. Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance (1:28:07) 10. Community Stories (1:37:12) COMMUNITY STORIES: Surpremekatakuri’s article on Yggdrasil: https://fullmetaldrippy.wordpress.com/2019/08/18/yggdrasil-the-tree-that-can-save-the-world/ Caius’s Post-Apocalyptic FPS “The Orpheus Project: https://twitter.com/StudioSyndiCat Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

Today Mike discusses his thoughts on Suikoden II. As always, these are not final opinions. The purpose of these discussions is to get feedback from the audience, which will be considered and represented in the final retrospective on the YouTube channel. If you disagree with any of the points made, feel free to let us know how you feel! TIME CODES: 1. What I Liked (5:17) 2. What I Disliked (21:57) 3. Spoiler Discussion (56:21) 4. Responding To Chat (1:17:37) Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

In light of the rule of diminishing returns, it seems that we’re bound to grow to dislike most art/media the more they engage with it. If so, how do you square your priorities as a consumer? Is it better to be "ignorant but happy" or a media wiz and constantly dissatisfied with new stuff you encounter? That is the main topic for this week’s podcast, but we also discuss fight choreography, as well as the coming release for the Grandia HD Collection.

We discuss our thoughts on when a story (in particular a television series) overstays its welcome and starts to drag. We also discuss a few games/shows we’ve been into lately. TIME CODES: 1. Stuff We’ve Been Watching/Playing Lately (1:31) 2. How To Do A Proper Remake (20:57) 3. Community Stories (1:15:03) COMMUNITY STORIES: Symfonikev’s Original Composition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv1lXogh_OE Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on why it is so difficult for remakes of beloved media to land with the same impact as the original. Mike also gives his early thoughts on Fire Emblem Three Houses. TIME CODES: 1. Fire Emblem Three Houses Thoughts (1:19) 2. How To Do A Proper Remake (15:10) 3. Community Stories (1:22:06) Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on how to write high stakes into a story with small scale, as well as discuss our impressions of the Switch Lite, the new Picard TV series, and the Witcher Netflix series. TIME CODES: 1. Nintendo Switch Lite (1:38) 2. Thoughts On “Picard” (21:50) 3. Witcher Netflix Series (33:25) 4. Writing High Stakes In Low Scale Stories (48:04) Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc

Today we're joined by the Game Professor from Games As Literature to discuss the value of game narrative, as well has his experience teaching literature in high school using video game stories. Games As Lit Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/gamesasliterature TIME CODES: 1. Harvest Moon GBA Remake (1:34) 2. The Value Of Game Narrative (7:05) 3. Community Stories (54:26) Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on realism vs. formalism, and how inconsistency in tone can undermine any approach you choose in telling your story. TIME CODES: 1. Hyper Light Drifter Co-Op (0:45) 2. One Punch Man Season 2 Thoughts (5:21) 3. Chernobyl Is Amazing (17:54) 4. Why Do People Demand Realism? (23:07) 5. Community Stories (1:15:29) COMMUNITY STORIES: Dance Card Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cardboardconsole/dance-card Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss the difficulties of writing a prequel story and how to create something that can be engaging even when the audience knows how it will end. TIME CODES: How To Write A Good Prequel (0:43) Community Questions (1:18:56) Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on many of the great E3 2019 announcements! Lorerunner, Phoenix Edge, and some other rad dudes from discord joined us as well! Lorerunner: http://lorerunner.com/ https://www.twitch.tv/thelorerunner https://www.youtube.com/user/Archengeia Phoenix Edge RPG Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIX_7uaTXjhBvxMvUWwbfLA Sorry for not having time codes this week. There's just way too many topics. Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss what makes pixel art so endearing with Kim Herbst and Tim Wendorf. You can see their amazing pixel art work via the following links! Kim: www.kimherbst.com https://twitter.com/kiwifruitbird https://www.instagram.com/kiwifruitbird/ Tim: https://www.instagram.com/pixelgroover/ https://twitter.com/pixelgroover https://twitter.com/CoromonTheGame TIME CODES: 1. FFVI Done In Octopath Style (5:13) 2. What Makes Pixel Art So Endearing? (10:11) 3. Community Stories (1:26:17) LINKS WE REFERENCED: FFVI Octopath Style: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymnMd4tfAFI&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop The Last Night: https://store.steampowered.com/app/612400/The_Last_Night/ COMMUNITY STORIES: MoSenko’s Top 10 Uematsu Compositions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-XWFDWSekQ&feature=youtu.be Lipstick Generation’s Game Of Thrones Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-XWFDWSekQ&feature=youtu.be Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss the decline of Game of Thrones’ writing quality in the wake of the series finale. TIME CODES: 1. FFXV Novel Will Be Released In Fall 2019 (1:24) 2. George RR Martin Consulting With FromSoftware? (6:32) 3. Sonic Movie Delayed To Fix Sonic’s Design (10:40) 4. The Decline Of GoT Writing (15:10) 5. Community Stories (1:25:59) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Dawn of the Future Novel: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/05/17/square-enix-manga-being-launched-with-penguin-random-house-outside-of-japan/ George R.R. Martin Working With FromSoftware?: https://www.destructoid.com/games-of-thrones-ice-fire-creator-blog-post-lends-credence-to-from-software-collaboration-rumors-554369.phtml Sonic Movie Delayed: https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/24/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-delayed-design/ COMMUNITY STORIES: Jay Lee’s Post Malone Cover: https://soundcloud.com/j4y_l3e/othersiderhcp/s-mhgJj Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our in-depth thoughts on the Final Fantasy VII Remake teaser trailer! TIME CODES: 1. Matsuno To Make Another FF Tactics Game? (1:04) 2. FF7 Remake Discussion (6:28) 3. Community Questions (2:20:30) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Yasumi Matsuno Interview: https://www.dualshockers.com/yasumi-matsuno-final-fantasy-tactics-ogre-battle-comments/ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on the Sonic movie debacle, whether pre-rendered backgrounds could work in the modern day, and whether gameplay or story should come first in game development! TIME CODES: 1. Sonic Movie Disaster (0:42) 2. Casen tried Switch VR (22:04) 3. Gameplay Or Story First? (26:31) 4. Can Pre-Rendered Backgrounds Work Today? (1:03:30) 5. Portraying Dark Subject Matter Without Being Explicit (1:19:53) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Jordan Mechner’s Essay: http://electronicbookreview.com/essay/the-sands-of-time-crafting-a-video-game-story/ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on Kingdom Hearts III ReMIND, Nintendo Labo VR, what defines an RPG, and much more! TIME CODES: 1. KHIII ReMIND (0:59) 2. Nintendo Labo VR (4:28) 3. Avengers Endgame Makes 1.2 Billion (9:46) 4. Square Takes Sony’s E3 Time Slot (20:14) 5. LotR Amazon Show (28:00) 6. Greg Troyan GoT Cover (38:27) 7. Ta’veren Podcast (40:39) 8. Chris Guin Questions (41:41) 9. Which Rules Of Writing Do You Disagree With? (59:46) 10. How Do You Define An RPG? (1:05:03) COMMUNITY STORIES: Greg Troyan GoT Cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrlpZFdsunA Ta’veren Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-taveren-a-wheel-of-time-podcast/id1460119215 https://twitter.com/TaverenPod Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on the new confirmed details for the PS5, the Final Fantasy 7 concert just before E3, and how to effectively tell a story without words. TIME CODES: 1. FF7 Symphonic Reunion (0:45) 2. PS5 Details Confirmed (4:49) 3. Xbox One SAD (16:29) 4. How To Tell The Story Without Words (19:48) 5. Community Stories (1:01:14) LINKS WE REFERENCED: FF7 Symphonic Reunion: https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/527265-final-fantasy-7-concert-announced-june-9 PS5 Confirmed Details: https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-price-release-date-specs-launch-games Hayao Miyazaki Quote: https://soranews24.com/2014/01/30/ghiblis-hayao-miyazaki-says-the-anime-industrys-problem-is-that-its-full-of-anime-fans/

We discuss our thoughts on Hajime Tabata’s new game, the Star Wars Episode IX trailer, and how to structure a good side quest in video games! TIME CODES: Hajime Tabata’s New Game (1:19) Star Wars Episode 9 Trailer (8:13) What Makes A Good Side Quest? (1:27:51) Community Stories (1:23:21) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Hajime Tabata’s New Game: https://gematsu.com/2019/04/hajime-tabata-studio-jp-games-announces-paralympic-sports-rpg-the-pegasus-dream-tour Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on Dragon Quest: Your Story as well as what makes a console truly an all-time great! We put a lot of thought into how to measure this fairly, but if you have any suggestions on how to refine it let us know! TIME CODES: 1. Dragon Quest: Your Story (1:48) 2. What Makes A Console Great? (8:13) 3. Community Stories (1:27:51) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Dragon Quest: Your Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANB1TBs6RRA Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

This week Mike discusses the value of ambient soundtracks, and makes a case for them being just as effective as melodic OSTs at commanding the atmosphere and emotion of the story. Also, Episode Ardyn, Hyper Light Drifter TV series, and Sakaguchi’s new game, Fantasian, are discussed! TIME CODES: 1. Apple Arcade (Sakaguchi’s New Game) (2:01) 2. Monolith Hiring Devs For Zelda (7:46) 3. Hyper Light Drifter TV Series (11:36) 4. Sega Genesis Mini (18:00) 5. Episode Ardyn Thoughts (22:53) 6. Are Melodic Soundtracks Always Better Than Ambient Ones? (53:17) 7. Community Stories (1:35:24) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Apple Acade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67umVefSXnY Monolith Soft Hiring For Next Zelda Game: http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2019/8933.html Hyper Light Drifter TV Series: https://www.polygon.com/tv/2019/3/28/18285664/hyper-light-drifter-tv-series-alx-preston-adi-shankar Sega Genesis Mini: https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/30/genesis-mini-release-date-sonic-2/ COMMUNITY STORIES: Playtest Riconius’s Game: https://twitter.com/rantonioart Matria Lockdown Challenge: http://materialockdown.com/ Greg Troyan’s Lord of the Rings Synth Cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-7gUB2_Uks Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss Google Stadia, give predictions for Playstation State of Play, and what makes good pacing in storytelling! TIME CODES: 1. New FF9 Interviews (1:45) 2. Google Stadia (2:50) 3. Playstation State of Play (22:45) 4. What Is Good Pacing? (44:10) LINKS WE REFERENCED: New FF9 Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdsqEurMd2I Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

Description: We upload this podcast every Wednesday morning at 5:00am MT! We stream this podcast every Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm MT on Twitch! https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc We discuss what goes into writing an effective villain for your story, whether you want your audience to fear them or relate to them. You can listen to audio only with the sources below: **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On Google Play**: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/I5q6igs5n2zydfh6bkfg7kumb3q **Listen On iTunes**: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dark-pixel-podcast-dark-pixel/id1121795837?mt=2 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ TIME CODES: The Alliance Alive Remastered (1:26) Towers (4:38) What Makes A Great Villain? (7:35) Community Stories (1:12:35) LINKS WE REFERENCED: The Alliance Alive Remastered: https://gematsu.com/2019/03/the-alliance-alive-hd-remastered-coming-west-this-fall Towers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCtYQPRui7Q Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss what goes into creating an amazing plot twist. Magician’s actually follow a similar process with sleight of hand. Join us as we get to the bottom of what makes a plot twist satisfying. TIME CODES: 1. Pokemon Sword and Shield Announced (1:36) 2. What Makes A Good Plot Twist? (9:21) 3. Community Stories (1:07:34) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Pokemon Sword and Shield Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YDymZteyH8 COMMUNITY STORIES: Lipstick Song - The Flash:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47OUEvjZWCQ ChocolateRob’s Video Game Story Playlists: Vagrant Story: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0C8E4D57603D0983 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0EFAE508FC048FF5 Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL17D844C3D70AE0F5

We discuss what goes into creating a smooth and enjoyable UI in video games. TIME CODES: 1. Reggie Fils-Aime Retiring (0:56) 2. Oninaki Impressions (8:51) 3. Square-Enix Restructuring (17:31) 4. What Makes Good UI Design? (23:27) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Reggie Fils-Aime Is Retiring: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/21/reggie-fils-aime-is-retiring-and-bowser-is-taking-charge-of-nintendo-of-america/ Nintendo E3 Press Conference 2004: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59gY8iJ4DWw Oninaki Getting Help From Takashi Tokita: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/20/oninaki-is-getting-help-from-chrono-trigger-director-takashi-tokita/ Oninaki Famtisu Interview: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/21/how-i-am-setsuna-and-lost-sphears-action-rpg-elements-went-into-the-making-of-oninaki/ Oninaki Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eiw5zQ4hX10 Square-Enix Consolidating After Disappointing Q3: https://techraptor.net/content/square-enix-is-restructuring-its-company-after-disappointing-q3

We discuss this week’s Nintendo Direct, the Episode Ardyn Prologue anime, whether there’s any real point to fantasy fiction, and much more! TIME CODES: 1. Nintendo Direct (1:08) 2. Naoki Yoshida On FF16 (23:49) 3. Final Fantasy 15 Ardyn Prologue Anime (27:37) 4. What Is The Point Of Fantasy (32:46) 5. Community Stories (53:25) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Yoshi-P Wants FF16 To Be A ‘Straightforward Fantasy’: https://gamefragger.com/multiplatform/role-playing/final_fantasy_xv/final-fantasy-xiv-director-would-like-ffxvi-to-be-straightforward-fantasy-with-no-mecha-a14492 Episode Ardyn Prologue Anime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcaNgXq2zLg COMMUNITY STORIES: The World I Never Knew (Original Composition From Symfonikev): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG34E9EiYeQ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

Casen discusses some of his disappointment with Kingdom Hearts III, and Mike chirps in with a few jokes along the way. TIME CODES: 1. Witcher author lawsuit update (2:18) 2. Monster Hunter movie update (13:04) 3. Casen's issues with Kingdom Hearts III (18:36) 4. Community Stories (1:43:40) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Witcher Author Lawsuit Update: https://www.trueachievements.com/n36375/the-witcher-author-to-receive-compensation-from-cd-projekt-red-after-dispute Monster Hunter Movie Update: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/09/monster-hunter-movie-set-for-september-2020-premiere/ COMMUNITY STORIES: Beckoned (Game From Jeremy Thevenot): https://www.beckonedgame.com/?fbclid=IwAR2smdOOTeWlm7sfttO1BLf8wF0on0V6nG9UT3pcYe47DOsjw6001xcOsgI

We discuss whether storytelling in video games is limited, the PS5’s rumored backwards compatibility, and much more! Time Codes: 1. PS Classic Now $50 On Amazon (0:48) 2. PS5 To Be Backwards Compatible With ALL Previous PS Consoles? (1:51) 3. Yasunori Mitsuda Doing A Chrono Cross 20th Anniversary Tour (5:27) 4. Another Eden - New Game From Chrono Writer (6:15) 5. Is Video Game Storytelling Limited? (8:17) 6. Community Stories (40:29) Links We Referenced: PS Classic $50 On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-Classic-Console/dp/B07HHVF2XG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549400845&sr=8-3&keywords=playstation+classic PS5 Backwards Compatibility Patent: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/02/ps5_backwards_compatibility_suggested_by_sony_patent Chrono Cross 20th Anniversary Concert Tour: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/01/yasunori-mitsuda-celebrates-chrono-cross-20th-anniversary-with-a-live-concert-tour-in-november/ Another Eden - Chrono Writer’s New Game: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/01/28/chrono-writers-smartphone-rpg-another-eden-launches-worldwide-today/ Tactics V: “Obsidian Brigade” Closed Beta: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBKKxXSOPcRIg1gaTajVC6JbHDHKiAQk0wyJaqawgVccHADA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR36tEPjHoOo8WkhmxKXhol0LRVTG98IGM4gcAQduQaaa7Fgmh112m_kh6c Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Review (by surpremakatakuri): https://fullmetaldrippy.wordpress.com/2019/02/03/xenoblade-chronicles-2/

We discuss Metroid Prime 4’s development trouble, how to properly adapt a video game to film, and our philosophy on what makes a good localization! Time Codes: 1. Cross Code Coming To Switch (1:30) 2. Metroid 4 Rebotting (4:10) 3. How To Adapt A Video Game To Film (20:17) 4. How Much Should Localization Change From Original Japanese? (1:36:27) Links We Referenced: Cross Code Coming To Switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XU9lz45tKU Metroid Prime 4 Development Rebooted: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/01/25/nintendo-is-restarting-metroid-prime-4-development-retro-studios-involved/ Orson Scott Card Interviews: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865589522/Critics-community-and-Enders-Game-An-interview-with-Orson-Scott-Card.html https://www.noted.co.nz/archive/listener-nz-2013/an-interview-with-orson-scott-card/ Richard Honeywood Localization Interview: https://web.archive.org/web/20060517012317/http://www.edge-online.co.uk/archives/2006/02/qa_square_enixs_1.php Community Stories: Xylon73’s Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 Translation Project: https://serenesforest.net/forums/index.php?/topic/85081-fe5-project-exile-thracia-776-script-and-menu-translation-script-complete-through-chapter-15/

We discuss the utility of silent protagonists and whether or not they "suck", narrative vs. world building and which is more important for RPGs, and how to become more social and gain confidence! Time Codes: 1. Why do silent protagonists suck? (9:01) 2. Narrative vs. world building (27:01) 3. How to become more social (49:19)

We discuss our thoughts on Kingdom Hearts as we prepare for a YouTube collaboration on Riconius’ YouTube channel. Subscribe to him if you’d like to see the discourse! https://www.youtube.com/user/ricardoantonioart Time Codes: 1. Bravely Default Announcement Coming In 2019? (2:53) 2. Bungie Leaves Activision (6:17) 3. Kingdom Hearts Discourse Preparatory Thoughts (13:03) 4. Community Stories (1:14:52) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Bravely Default Announcement Coming In 2019?: https://twitter.com/BDFF_OFFICIAL/status/1082110869352308737?s=19 Bungie Leaves Activision: https://kotaku.com/bungie-splits-with-activision-1831651740 COMMUNITY STORIES: C4DNerd’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4E1ggIqqi8 Amontik Animation: http://www.amontikanimation.com/

Today Mike discusses why it's so hard to understand the perspectives of other people, and why it leads so often to bitter debates over non-consequential issues like video games. Time Codes: 1. Nintendo President On The Future Of The Company - 6:20 2. Suikoden Review Progress/Discussion - 20:36 3. Why Do We Fight Over Video Games? - 40:03 4. Community Stories - 1:47:20 LINKS WE REFERENCED: Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa Interview: http://operationrainfall.com/2019/01/05/nintendo-furukawa-interview/?fbclid=IwAR3SJVun39Va52kzddipYjfmVOhImDQxErjDj6pmBLewgCsWpvSuq2eawzc COMMUNITY STORIES: Monish Corona’s Battle Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=130&v=b4UKatJqrwc Jay Lee’s Hip-Hop Track: https://soundcloud.com/j4y_l3e/winter-nightmarez Faze’s Metal Blog: https://metalfaze.wordpress.com/2019/01/03/upcoming-albums-january-2019/

Today we're discussing the elements that go into designing a good tutorial! Time Codes: 1. Playstation Classic Price Drop (0:46) 2. What Makes A Good Tutorial? (7:50) 3. Community Stories (1:01:35) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Playstation Classic Price Cut: http://www.siliconera.com/2018/12/25/playstation-classic-price-drops-to-60-at-2-stores/ Extra Credits Tutorial Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCPcn-Q5nKE COMMUNITY STORIES: C.J.’s Power Metal Project: http://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2018/12/20/exclusive-premiere-come-bask-in-errluum-curse-of-radiance/

Title Says It All

We discuss the challenges of non-linear storytelling, especially in games, as well as which stories we feel explore morality in interesting ways. Time Codes: 1. Kingdom Hearts III Leaked (1:03) 2. Monster Hunter World/Witcher 3 Collaboration (9:03) 3. Episode Ardyn Prologue Teaser Trailer (11:07) 4. Live Action Sonic Film Looks Wack (14:50) 5. The Challenges Of Non-Linear Storytelling In Games (24:55) 6. Community Stories (1:02:20) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Kingdom Hearts III Leak: https://mashable.com/article/kingdom-hearts-3-leaks-epilogue-secret-video/#D6GUlrJG8Oqw Monster Hunter World/Witcher 3 Wild Hunt Collaboration: http://www.siliconera.com/2018/12/10/the-witcher-3-wild-hunts-geralt-of-rivia-is-coming-to-monster-hunter-world-in-early-2019/ Episode Ardyn Prologue Teaser Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4G3jhuFRrc Live Action Sonic The Hedgehog Looks Wack AF - http://www.siliconera.com/2018/12/10/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-gets-a-first-peek-sega-not-seeing-eye-to-eye/ https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/12/14/leaked-sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-poster-legs-is-real/ Game Career Guide Article: https://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/882/nonlinear_narrative_in_games_.php?print=1

We discuss early thoughts on Smash Ultimate, and how much we hate the dismissive (and lazy) "you're blinded by nostalgia" argument. Time Codes: 1. Smash Ultimate Thoughts - 3:32 2. Are You Really Blinded By Nostalgia? - 24:43 3. Community Questions - 1:17:55

We discuss the “spirit” of the Lord of the Rings, how perfectly it was captured in The Fellowship Of The Ring, and whether it was successfully maintained in the sequels. TIME CODES: 1. Kingdom Hearts III Is Gold! - 1:09 2. Nintendo Updates Usage Guidelines - 16:10 3. When Does Narrative Become Necessary For Health? - 27:18 4. Why Fellowship Of The Ring Is The Best - 56:22 5. Community Stories - 1:56:51 LINKS WE REFERENCED: Nintendo Adjusts Its Guidelines For YouTube Content Creators: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/networkservice_guideline/en/index.html?n COMMUNITY STORIES: HD Beird’s Novella “Amnion: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amnion-HD-Beird/dp/1515133664/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1542832582&sr=8-8&keywords=amnion&fbclid=IwAR1Qh0CETwL1HO7pRhesUU_ko6THgJORaUgqMg01VI2awAJVDUO2DsPME_w Paul Mannerings’s Dream State Saga: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B29KWZP/ The Pensky File’s Star Trek Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=228&v=vH2LbSDqaog

Podcast Cancelled For This Week by Resonant Arc

We discuss character building--in particular what makes a 3-dimensional character and whether it is important to ALWAYS make your main character 3-dimensional. Is there ever a time when making your main character 2-dimensional is the right choice? Time Codes: 1. Playstation Skipping E3 2019 (1:16) 2. Devil May Cry Animated Series Coming To Netflix (10:25) 3. George R.R. Martin Explains Why Winds Of Winter Isn't Finished Yet (14:00) 4. What Is A Multi-Dimensional Character? (18:32) 5. Community Stories (1:02:11)

We discuss the abundance of amnesia as a plot device in Asian media, and what makes good dialogue--in particular why dialogue in anime and JRPGs is often considered so 'cringey' to western ears. Timecodes: 1. Smash Ultimate Nintendo Direct (3:00) 2. End of the road for game consoles? (10:15) 3. MediEvil Remake (14:30) 4. FFXV 2nd Anniversary Debacle (18:41) 5. PS Classic Using Open Source Emulator (30:58) 6. Castlevania Getting 3rd Season (32:00) 7. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (33:47) 8. Amnesia in Asian media (36:38) 9. What makes good dialogue (1:07:45) 10. Community stories (2:22:48)

Just some updates on the podcast. We've moved our hosting over to soundcloud and I'm trying to get all of our podcast apps updated with the new RSS. Some of them require that we have at least one upload so this is it!