The ProfNoctis Weekly Show

Magic meets Final Fantasy!  In this episode, Wade (ProfNoctis), Evan, and Nick sit down with Magic: The Gathering principal designer Gavin Verhey to unpack how the Final Fantasy collaboration came to life—and why “every card is an invitation.” What we cover: -Gavin’s origin story (from 11-year-old aspiring designer to Principal Designer) -How Universes Beyond brings new players into MTG (and keeps...

Step back into Ivalice with us! In this episode of The ProfNoctis Show, Evan and I dive into our spoiler-free review of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles—Square Enix’s long-awaited remaster of the legendary tactical RPG. We cover: -Presentation & performance – how the visuals, voice acting, and sound reimagine a classic. -Quality of life improvements – from auto-battle to smarter m...

In this episode, Prof Noctis and Evan discuss the new game Wuchong: Fallen Feathers, a Souls-like action RPG set in a richly detailed Chinese-inspired world. They explore the game's mechanics, themes, and the unique challenges it presents to players. The conversation delves into the significance of the game's setting during the late Ming dynasty, the combat system, and the innovative madness mecha...

In this special 53rd episode of our show, Evan and Professor Noctis dive deep into the magic of Nintendo and the release of the Switch 2. From first impressions and hardware design to childhood nostalgia, Joy-Con drift, and digital ownership—we’re unpacking why Nintendo continues to capture our imaginations... and when it lets us down. 🎮 Topics Include: Is the Switch 2 worth it? What makes Ninten...

Picked up the Final Fantasy Starter Decks in Magic: The Gathering and don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. This video is for you! In this video, a 30-year MTG veteran, Nick Smith, and I (Professor Noctis) are going to dive into the Cloud (Red/White Aggro) and Sephiroth (Blue/Black Control) Starter Decks. We’ll walk you through: -How to play these decks with key strategies for each -When to...

It was my first Summer Game Fest 2025 and it blew me away. In this episode of The ProfNoctis Weekly Show, we're breaking down everything I played at the event! From Capcom’s incredible showcase to surprise indie gems, I’ll walk you through 12 hands-on demos—featuring deep dives into all the games I played. Plus, I'll discuss Death Stranding 2 and Capcom's big three: Pragmata, Resident Evil 9: Requ...

Join Professor Noctis as he dives into the world of Magic: the Gathering's Final Fantasy Commander Decks. In this educational video, we'll be unlocking the lore and strategies in the four FF-inspired Commander Decks. Whether you're a seasoned Final Fantasy fanatic or a lifelong Magic fan, this video is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about the collaboration. In the video, we'll disc...

Final Fantasy isn’t just a game—it’s a gateway to deep conversations about philosophy, religion, grief, and identity. At the University of Alabama, I’ve built entire classes around titles like Final Fantasy XV, XVI, and VII Rebirth, and I’m sharing how games can transform the college classroom. In this panel from PAX East 2025, we’ll explore how story-driven games can boost memory retention, promo...

The Last of Us Season 2 just ended… and Mama Noctis summed it up best: “Are they all dead?” In this final recap of the season, Prof Noctis and Evan reflect on the biggest risks and missed opportunities of Episode 7—and whether this season finale truly delivered. We talk about:  • Why the game’s most powerful moment doesn’t work on screen (yet)  • What the split-season structure sacrifices in narra...

Is this the best episode of the entire series? Wade (aka ProfNoctis) and Evan break down everything from The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 6 — an emotional, beautifully written journey through Joel and Ellie's shared memories. From the astronaut scene to the slow-burning truth behind their fallout, this episode delivers some of the most poignant moments in the show’s history. We explore: The emotio...

In this week’s episode of The Last of Us Season 2, Prof Noctis and Evan tackle one of the most debated questions of the series so far: Does Ellie feel flat this season? Or is something deeper going on under the surface? We break down Episode 5, Feel Her Love, from its cold open to the brutal basement finale—covering: Why Ellie’s stoic performance may be intentional The introduction of spores and w...

What does it mean to trust someone in a world falling apart? Join Prof Noctis and Evan as they dive deep into Episode 4 of The Last of Us Season 2 — “Day One.” From Isaac’s cold open and the introduction of the Scars to Ellie and Dina’s rooftop moment, we explore the layered themes of grief, intimacy, loyalty, and the human cost of survival. 🔍 Topics this episode: Isaac’s explosive debut and Jeff...

In Episode 3 of The Last of Us Season 2 ("The Path"), we step into a quieter, heavier chapter — one full of grief, reflection, and the growing tension that promises to erupt in violence. In this full recap and analysis, we unpack: -The aftermath of Joel’s death and Ellie’s emotional shutdown -How Gail challenges Ellie’s denial and forces her to confront her pain -Dina’s quiet strength and what tru...

FULL SPOILERS AHEAD! In this breakdown of The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2, ProfNoctis and Evan unpack one of the most brutal, unforgettable moments in the series so far. From Abby’s monologue to Ellie’s final goodbye, we analyze the emotional intersection of revenge, loss, and what it means to be human in a world this broken. We explore: – The symbolism of Joel’s death – The theology and psycho...

The Last of Us Season 2 has officially begun, and we're kicking off with a full deep-dive into Episode 1: "Future Days." In this recap and analysis, ProfNoctis and Evan break down: -The emotional return to Jackson -New characters and their mysterious motivations -Joel's therapy sessions (!) -Ellie's jiu-jitsu skills and character growth -The meaning behind "Reality is just a collective hunch" -How...

Join ProfNoctis and Evan as they sit down with acclaimed video essayist Aleczandxr for a powerful deep dive into the soul of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. In this special DLC installment of the Rebirth Lecture Series, we explore how hope, despair, and the human spirit are intricately woven into the game's narrative. From Aerith’s heartbreaking choices to Sephiroth’s overwhelming pull toward oblivion,...

"Tifa represents more than just memory—she represents the heart of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s true message. In this deep and thoughtful conversation with ‪@SubTXT_‬ following the release of his amazing video (   • Why FF7 Rebirth Didn’t End How ANYONE...  . During the chat, we talk about his origin story in storytelling, the ending of Rebirth, and-- most interestingly-- TIFA. Also, since so many...

Joel’s choice changed everything. In this finale deep dive, ProfNoctis and Evan unpack the philosophy behind Joel’s decision, Ellie’s search for meaning, and what it means for Season 2. Was he right — or horribly wrong? ___________ The Last of Us Lecture Series: Join me, Professor Noctis-- a real-life professor of religion, myth, and video games-, this spring for an in-depth exploration of The Las...

The countdown to season 2 continues with a new recap! In this episode, we examine cult behavior through the story of David and the cannibals!  Join me, Professor Noctis-- a real-life professor of religion, myth, and video games-, this spring for an in-depth exploration of The Last of Us in our biggest lecture series yet! Following along with each episode of the award-winning Max (formerly HBO) sho...

Explore the hidden depths of 'Left Behind' as the Kubler Ross model maps out Ellie's complex emotional landscape in a devastated world. _____________ Join me, Professor Noctis-- a real-life professor of religion, myth, and video games-, this spring for an in-depth exploration of The Last of Us in our biggest lecture series yet! Following along with each episode of the award-winning Max (formerly H...

In this episode, Joel finally has a breakthrough in understanding his own trauma and how that impacts his relationship with Ellie. We discuss all the twists and turns in episode 6 of The Last of Us here! Join me, Professor Noctis-- a real-life professor of religion, myth, and video games-, this spring for an in-depth exploration of The Last of Us in our biggest lecture series yet! Following along...

In this episode, we explore the value of changing a beloved relationship in The Last of Us. Also, Prof gets too excited over Kathleen getting her just desserts.  Join me, Professor Noctis-- a real-life professor of religion, myth, and video games-, this spring for an in-depth exploration of The Last of Us in our biggest lecture series yet! Following along with each episode of the award-winning Max...

We are thrilled this week to bring you the Season 1 Episode 4 recap and analysis 00:00:14 for the Last of Us TV Show as well as an amazing interview with Dr. Jennifer Gleason 00:44:10. Dr. Gleason is a professor teaching philosophy and biomedical ethics at the University of Alabama and walks us through the foundations of the field and how to view characters and their decisions in The Last of Us th...

First, we recap Season 1 Episode 3 of the The Last of Us TV Show. Then, at 01:12:48 join us as we sit down with Dr. Joshua Horn, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin- Steven Point and editor of The Last of Us and Philosophy, to discuss the philosophical concepts of the game and TV series. Whether you're a philosopher or just want to learn more about the field, this is how to enga...

Join us for this episode as Dr. Anthony M. Bean, editor of "The Psychology of the Last of Us: Endure and Survive". To start the show we recap the main events and analyze Season 1 Episode 2 of the Last of Us Television Show. Next, Dr. Anthony Bean so kindly shared his time with us to discuss his career, video game history, and most of all the Psychology of the Last of Us. Enjoy! Season 1 Episode 2...