The Book of Mudora

Continuing their project to replay every Zelda game for the series’ 40th anniversary, Cameron and Monica discuss Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.

We discuss episodes 21-25 of Final Fantasy Unlimited , in which Earl Tyrant enters a new state of being.

We discuss episodes 16-20 of Final Fantasy Unlimited , in which the fate of the Hayakawa parents is finally revealed.

We discuss episodes 11-15 of Final Fantasy Unlimited , in which a train is replaced by a submarine.

We discuss episodes 6-10 of Final Fantasy Unlimited , in which new worlds and characters are revealed to little enthusiasm, until a surprisingly good 10th episode.

We discuss episodes 1-5 of Final Fantasy Unlimited , studio Gonzo’s 2001 anime series that got cut short due to Square’s financial difficulties. These episodes present Final Fantasy as a series about children journeying through a surreal world, with a reliable formula for every episode.

As part of their project to replay every Zelda game for the series’ 40th anniversary, Cameron and Monica discuss The Hyrule Fantasy: The Legend of Zelda.

We clear our backlog of emails regarding all the Zelda and Final Fantasy games we’ve currently played! Some topics we discuss include the prevalence of borderless spaces in Termina, the role of blue people in FFIX , and a defense of “Link is Dead” theory.

We play Chapter 5 and 6 of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment . Along the way, we discuss the sparsity of Ganondorf, the new tension between the elemental forces of Sacred Power and Gloom, and the impressive achievement of a retelling of Ocarina of Time with less moral complexity.

We play Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment through Chapter 3 and 4. Along the way, we discuss the homogeneity of combat strategy, the extreme politeness between characters, and the violence of Rauru's Hyrule.

We play Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment through Chapter 1 and 2. Along the way, we discuss Nintendo's sudden concern for canon, their ongoing concern with racist stereotypes, and how it doesn't end the world to give Zelda a sword.

We answer both Zelda and Final Fantasy emails! Some topics we discuss include a potential fate of Sonia and Rauru’s possible child, Ellone’s ambiguous status as a sorceress, and the nuances of letting Zelda use the Sword.

We play Final Fantasy X to completion. Along the way, we discuss the importance of a grueling dungeon to the theme of hope and sorrow, the shocking fate of Zanarkand, and how Final Fantasy X does or does not change what it means to be a Final Fantasy game.

We play Final Fantasy X from the Zanarkand Ruins to just before the final battle against Sin. Along the way, we discuss the odd coldness between Tidus and Yuna, the clunky pacing of the second half of the game, and the dogged persistence of Final Fantasy III 's themes.

We play Final Fantasy X from entering the Calm Lands to just before arriving at the Zanarkand Ruins. Along the way, we discuss the superfluous role of Kimahri, the value of a side quest, and Tidus' willingness to lie to Yuna.

We play Final Fantasy X from the first save point on an Airship to just before entering the Calm Lands. Along the way, we discuss the most romantic cutscene ever animated, some much more awkward cutscenes in Bevelle, and the disappointingly shallow portrayal of Yevon leadership.

We play Final Fantasy X from Macalania Woods to the first save point on an Airship. Along the way, we discuss the way characters talk around painful truths, what Tidus offers Yuna, and the odd pacing of cutscenes and dungeons.

We play Final Fantasy X from leaving the Djose Temple to arriving at Macalania Woods. Along the way, we discuss the new theme of romantic jealousy, the returning theme of racism, and FFX characters as reimaginings of FFVII characters.

We play Final Fantasy X from arriving at the Mi'ihen Highlands to completing the Djose Temple. Along the way, we discuss the journey-type structure of the game, the first appearance of an evil church in the series, and what it means for Yuna to smile.

We play Final Fantasy X from boarding the ship to leave Besaid to arriving at the Mi’ihen Highroad. Along the way, we discuss what makes romance writing good, the unusual relationship between Wakka and Lulu , and the narrative design of the Jecht Shot.

We play Final Fantasy X from the beginning to just before boarding the ship to leave Besaid. Along the way, we discuss behind-the-scenes production information, how FFX responds to 8 and 9, and the welcome return of untimed turn-based battles.

We catch up on a bunch of emails, mostly focused on Zelda but also a few Final Fantasy ones later in the episode. Some topics we discuss include a correction about Nabooru’s role in Ocarina of Time, the logistics of the Triforce in Breath of the Wild, and a history of bladed weapons.

We discuss the 2001 film Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within , Hironobu Sakaguchi’s big bet on photorealistic animation. The bet failed and permanently stained his career, but the movie is actually a fascinating summation of his vision of Final Fantasy. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not really a Final Fantasy movie!

Ahead of our full discussions on Age of Imprisonment and Crystal actually playing the game, Monica and Cameron discuss their initial impressions!

Kuja proves that all life will eventually choose destruction.