State of the Arc Podcast

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...

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....

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. O...

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...

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)...

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 (...

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.spot...

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)...

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. Hearin...

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...

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.co...

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...

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...

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 nan...

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://ww...

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...

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 DISCUS...

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...

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....

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...

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 H...

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 Co...

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)