The Book of Mudora

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.

Zidane returns to the homeland that he forgot.

Vivi finally confronts Kuja for his crimes against all Black Mages.

Zidane deals with heartbreak by going to the Dark City to participate in the card game tournament.

Dagger confronts her mother at the Ancient Tree of Life.

Zidane's party travels to a continent with no mist, and learns the secret of the Black Mages.

The regent of Lindblum learns of Alexandria's weapon supplier, who comes from another continent.

The arcane armies of Alexandria launch an unprovoked attack on Cleyra.

The arcane armies of Alexandria launch an unprovoked attack on Burmecia.

Dagger, the disguised Princess of Alexandria, makes a long journey through the rural countryside to the Regency of Lindblum.

The Tantalus Theater Troupe arrives at Alexandria Castle to kidnap Princess Garnet.

Part 3 of the three mailbags after Final Fantasy VIII! We mostly focus on Zelda emails, discussing such subjects as the origin of the Cobble Kingdom, the relationship between Porky and Ganon, and Farore's variable elemental theming.

Part 2 of the three mailbags after Final Fantasy VIII! We respond to both Final Fantasy and Zelda questions, discussing such subjects as the possibility of a Squall-Rinoa breakup, the presence of the Chaoskampf motif in Zelda, and whether watching video game commercials is a better experience than actually playing the games.

Part 1 of the three mailbags after Final Fantasy VIII! We focus on Final Fantasy questions, discussing such subjects as characterization issues in FF8, the Shinra-Wutai War, and the limitations of stories that are about good guys vs bad guys.

All space and time compresses into a single beautiful moment.