State of the Arc Podcast

Wow! So much to talk about. Perhaps, a bit too much to talk about. If you haven't guessed yet, we did not finish the A playthrough this time either. But it's not our fault! It's that blasted Jean-Paul. That guy, I tell you. We could talk about him for hours. We go from the Amusement park, to the Machine Village and at last, meet with the enemies of the Humans. If you like the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Amusement Park (3:48) 3. Machine Village (20:40) 4. Aliens Underground (1:00:03)

Wow, a lot to dive into right from the beginning of the game. It sounds like maybe 2B wants to kill god, 9S has a lower-than-low opinion of machines, and what does death even mean if you're an Android? Perhaps more importantly, though, is the question: "What does life mean if you're an android?" This is one deep game, and we are very excited to dive into it and give you our thoughts on the story. If you like the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. 2B wants to kill god (2:15) 3. 9S shows up (18:01) 4. Space Station (34:52) 5. Back to Earth (58:53) 6. Adam and Eve (1:18:43) 7. Ship of Theseus (1:35:15)

Welcome to the State of the Arc Podcast! Today we're discussing NieR Automata, a philosophical and introspective game that is actually really fun to play. In this episode, we talk about how the game was made, and what needed to come together in order for it to happen. This is an amazing game and one that seems to marry gameplay with story in a unique way. We talk about Yoko Taro, Yosuke Saito, Keiichi Okabe, Akihiko Yoshida, and of course, philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Sartre, Nietzsche, Pascal, and many others. If you like the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy!

Wow, what a game! We have even more triangle talk to share with you, as well as what much of the symbolism at the end of this game is trying to tell us. We had to record a bit later in the week to cover everything, but hopefully, everyone will have gotten their fill of Final Fantasy VI through this podcast. There is so much to analyze and too much missable content, but in the end, I think we gave FF6 our best and are very eager to hear what else you noticed that we didn't bring up in the comment section. Thank you for watching! This is one of our favorite games of all time. Next week we'll be playing Nier Automata. As always, please like and comment to let YouTube know that these videos are appreciated so they can eventually be shared with other fans of RPGs. Until next week! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Ancient Temple (8:27) 3. Hidon (15:02) 4. Kefka’s Tower (21:37) 5. Kefka (27:26) 6. Escape (58:28) 7. Ending and Theme (1:34:51)

As Celes continues her quest to gather her lost friends--scattered across the four corners of the world--she begins to gain hope and strength. The party grows even larger as we find a few new friends. In this episode, we gather up all the cast and get ready for our final showdown with Kefka. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Crumbs (1:07) 3. Cyan (6:40) 4. Gau (17:05) 5. Terra (25:50) 6. Relm (45:00) 7. Shadow (49:20) 8. Locke (1:01:00)

In the wake of Kefka's worldwide destruction, Celes awakes on a solitary island where she was cared for by Cid for a full year while in a coma. Now she must pick up the pieces of the broken world stretching out before her and bring a last ray of hope to its demoralized population. First, however, she'll need to overcome her own overwhelming despair. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Solitary Island (2:26) 3. Recruiting Sabin (20:20) 4. "Gerad" (29:33) 5. Setzer and Daryl's Tomb (36:33) 6. Recruiting Cyan (54:12) 7. Recruiting Gau (57:59)

Today we have a special episode for you! We're doing a deep dive on the N64's RPG masterpiece, Quest 64! There's a lot about this game's development history and profound story that most RPG fans don't know, so today we'll be diving in to show you how rich this is game truly is!

Time Codes: Intro (0:00) On a Boat (0:32) Thamasa (20:48) Esper Caves (41:24) Magitek Mayhem (58:25) The Warring Triad (1:13:10)

Time Codes: Intro (0:00) Vector (0:52) Cid’s Factory (11:07) Terra’s Story (35:15) Terra Opens the Gate (57:36) Negotiating With Emperor Gestahl (1:11:17)

Time Codes: Intro (0:00) Battle for Narshe (0:55) To Kohlingen (20:05) Zozo and Terra (38:09) Opera (56:35) The Only Airship in the World (1:37:16)

We get to choose our own adventure as our hero's make their separate ways back to Narshe. Banon and Terra have to sneak through the caves, Locke has to changes clothes 30 times and rescue a prisoner, and Sabin meets some new friends despite his proclivity to pass out whenever he comes into contact with water (which is often). If you enjoyed the video, please like and comment, it really helps us out. Thank you! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Terra and Banon (0:53) 3. Locke (13:03) 4. Celes (19:02) 5. Sabin (37:34) 6. Cyan (48:58) 7. The Phantom Train (1:09:08) 8. Gau (1:29:33)

We finish up our time in Figaro castle and meet this complete clown named Kefka. We then make our way to the Returners hideout and learn some very disconcerting news. Then, On the river Anduin, at the falls of Rauros, the Fellowship experiences a parting that splits the group into 3 separate parties. If you enjoyed the video, please like and comment, it really helps us out. Thank you! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Kefka (1:10) 3. A Daring Escape (32:07) 4. South Figaro (57:33) 5. Returners Hideout (1:21:12) 6. The Breaking of the Fellowship (1:38:57)

As soon as you press start, darkness. We descend below the clouds, into the storm above Narshe. From there, we play all the way till about halfway through Figaro Castle. This game is AMAZING! If you enjoyed the video, please like and comment, it really helps us out. Thank you! Time Codes: Intro (0:00) An Approach to Older Games (0:38) Translation Issues (10:57) The Opening Scene (25:24) Prologue (34:28) Narshe (53:45) Old Man’s House (1:03:33) Deus Ex Moogle (1:31:26) To Figaro! (1:43:01)

We are about to embark on an incredible journey into Final Fantasy VI. This will be the oldest game we've analyzed so far on the podcast. It's amazing that a game that's nearly 30 years old still has so much to offer. In this episode, we cover all of the history of the development and some of the early decisions that really made the game so special. If you enjoyed the video, please like and comment, it really helps us out. Thank you! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Dev History (5:40) 3. Spoilers (1:25:07)

We complete the story arc for Jack Ryan, a man without a family. The game ends as brilliantly as it started. Casen had to do this episode remote for a few reasons, but will be back in studio for the first podcast of our next series. Please leave a like and a comment if you feel so inclined. Thank you!

We are finally going to meet Andrew Ryan in this episode... or are we? Atlas gives a lot of promises but... who really is Atlas anyways? And how did our plane crash at the beginning of the game? This and more in another exciting episode of the State of the Arc Podcast! Please leave a like and a comment if you feel so inclined. Thank you!

In This episode, we play through Arcadia and learn a lot more about this Andrew Ryan fellow. I tell ya, the more I learn about him the less I like him. He seems to think he's freed himself from the shackles of god, religion and government but in reality, he has merely replicated those exact same things in a slightly different form right in his city. Please leave a like and a comment if you feel so inclined. Thank you!

In this episode we play through the medial area that contains a little microcosm of the entire game. We continue to loot all of rapture. Give a like and leave a comment if you feel so inclined. Thank you!

A plane falls from the sky. It is on fire. It hits the water and comes apart. There is only one survivor. Oddly enough, the plane happened to crash right at the site of an Atlantean civilization. A city underwater. We play from this point up until the medical area. It's not too much, but there's a lot to cover here. Don't forget to like and comment on the video! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Plane Crash (1:28) 3. Entering Rapture (10:00) 4. Gameplay (38:45)

Bioshock is considered one of the best games of all time. It has a connection with philosophy, art, and psychology that many believe is in line with great cinema. Naturally, this is a perfect fit for our podcast. In this episode, we learn about the developers who made Bioshock, including Ken Levine, Paul Hellquist, Bill Gardener, and others. the work is based in part on Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. Enjoy!

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 (2:28) 3. "Tis doubt which leadeth thee to Purgatory" (6:53) 4. Another encounter with Eddie (15:10) 5. Rambling: Pyramid Head images--meaning of gluttonous pig, seductress, and oppressor--which characters are real and which are not, etc. (23:10) 6. Maria is alive? (32:26) 7. Angela's trauma (44:51) 8. What the monsters of Silent Hill 2 represent (52:15)

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 leave a comment, too! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Angela (0:42) 3.Pyramid Head (8:02) 4. Maria (22:28) 5. Eddie and Laura (37:19) 6. The Hospital (47:15) 7. Reunion With Maria(1:02:35)

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 enough sanity to know how messed up you are; yet still function reasonably well in the real world, 3) want to show the entire world how screwed up you are on the inside, 4) know that deep down inside, everyone else is just as messed up as you are. Hats off to those who made this amazing masterpiece.

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 ending of this amazing experience. Thanks for joining us! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Proto Merkabah (2:54) 3. Fight With Albedo (35:09) 4. It's Gonna Blow! (54:07)

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 (0:00) 2. Gnosis Attack (1:21) 3. Momo and Albedo (27:27) 4. Shion and Jr. Go to Song of Nephilim (54:35) 5. Virgil Returns (1:19:10)

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 Reciting The Bible (0:36) 3. The Church (12:01) 4. Inside The Door (28:55) 5. The Death Of God(54:10) 6. You Are Not Yet Ready (1:25:49)

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. Encephalon Dive (36:39) 5. Shion's Side (57:10) 6. Jr.'s Side (1:14:18)

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. Marienkind (10:02) 4. Arrival of the Durandal (39:36) 5. To The Beach (1:03:00) 6. More Mysteries (1:19:21)

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. Cherenkov's Struggles and Shion's Premonition (1:00:50) 8. Turbulence In Hyperspace (1:04:15) 9. Cherenkov's Past and The Cathedral Ship (1:08:03) 10. Cherenkov Transforms Into A Gnosis (1:31:32) 11. KOS-MOS' Secret Weapon (1:52:10)

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-MOS and introduction to chaos (22:09) 5. Chaos Kills a Gnosis (38:23) 6. Introduction to Wilhelm (44:40) 7. Margulis and Pellegri (48:55) 8. Ziggurat 8 and S.O.C.E. (53:37) 9. MOMO and Margulis (1:10:16) 10. Ziggy's Infiltration (1:12:07)

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. Part 2 will be available later today on patreon and SubscribeStar. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Toriel Arc (8:08) 3. Sans and Papyrus Arc (32:08)

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 Fight (00:14) 3. Symbolism of Liquid Snake (13:59) 4. The Fight Continues (31:57) 5. The End (45:05)

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 jail and fight Liquid Snake, Sniper Wolf, and Vulcan Raven. 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Escaping the Cell (0:14) 3. His Only Friends (22:08) 4. Fight With Liquid (39:56) 5. Fight With Sniper Wolf (49:21) 6. Fight With Vulcan Raven (1:01:58) 7. Eavesdropping on Liquid and Ocelot (1:16:47)

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 Chief (21:12) 4. Revolver Ocelot (34:00) 5. Deepthroat (55:12) 6. Cyborg Ninja (1:05:02)

Welcome back! On this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast, we look into the briefing section of Metal Gear Solid. This covers characters like Naomi, Campbell, Solid Snake and a few others. Snake is very excited to get to know Naomi better. Maybe they'll go out sometime. Unless, of course, he meets another woman. And all bets are off if yet another one shows up.

Let's take a close look at the development of Metal Gear Solid. In this episode, we look into the past of Hideo Kojima, the auteur who created the Metal Gear series. We also study some of the unique tactics employed by the developers.

We analyze Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, which we both consider to be Miyazaki's highest achievement in film.

Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Reevaluating The Intro Scene (1:51) 3. Explaining The Besaid Mandala (22:21) 4. Responding To Questions And Comments (50:03)

1. Intro (0:00) 2. Missed things from last episode (1:45) 3. Fighting Sin (7:05) 4. Entering Sin (21:51) 5. After Defeating Yu Yevon (54:43) 6. Is Tidus Gone Forever? (1:15:48