State of the Arc Podcast

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...

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 l...

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 enou...

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 endin...

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...

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 Recit...

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. Encepha...

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. Marienk...

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. Cheren...

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-MO...

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...

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 Figh...

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...

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 C...