State of the Arc Podcast

In today's episode, we arrive at Zanarkand and learn the true depth of Yevon's lies. For next week, finish the game! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Descending down into Zanarkand (1:23) 3. There is no Final Aeon (20:14) 4. Meeting Yunalesca (39:03) 5. Finding a new way (1:04:35) 6. Back to Bevelle (1:20:48) 7. Preparing for the final battle (1:35:30)

In today's episode, we cross the plains of the Calm Lands, scale Mount Gagazet, and discover the biggest plot twist of the entire game. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. The Calm Lands (2:27) 3. Cavern Of The Stolen Fayth (10:33) 4. Mount Gagazet (17:50) 5. Seymour Boss Fight #3 (43:32) 6. You Are A Dream (53:19) 7. Mountain Cave And Sanctuary Keeper (1:30:50)

For next week, we played up through the end of Mt. Gagazet, just after the fight with the Santuary Keeper and Tidus listens to Yuna's final message. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. The Guardian Wyrm Evrae and Wedding Ceremony At Bevelle (1:58) 3. Bevelle Temple (18:09) 4. Imprisonment and Trial (24:18) 5. Seymour Fight #2 (50:01) 6. Back To Macalania Woods (1:02:08)

In today's episode, we fight with Seymour, Find ourselves in the middle of a desert, Barely escape with our lives, and watch as the Al Bhed destroy their own home. Big thanks to Dansg08 for talking with us about Sin and the place where we find ourselves after we fall through the Ice at Lake Macalania. Find his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzV3Xt_qXi8KaaBR58q-qFg Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Arriving at Macalania Temple (1:01) 3. Anima (11:51) 4. Seymour is pretty dead now (18:14) 5. Dansg08 Explains Macalania Lake (24:38) 6. Al Bhed Home (55:24) 7. Airship (1:14:34) 8. Fun info about the Al Bhed (1:24:35)

Our analysis of the film Arrival.

In today's episode, we cross the Thunder Plains, traverse Macalania Woods, thwart another attempted kidnapping, and moderate a religious debate between Waka and Riku. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. The Thunder Plains (0:37) 3. Macalania Woods (10:29) 4. Break Down Of Braska's Design (24:50) 5. Jecht Spheres (32:01) 6. Al Bhed Kidnapping Attempt (39:51) 7. Al Bhed Language Spoiler (42:18) 8. Wakka's Religious Argument With Rikku (43:26) 9. Snow Mobile Ride With Lulu (52:09)

In today's episode, we arrive in Guadosalam, get a tour of Seymour's holodeck, and visit Spira's afterworld, a.k.a. the Farplane. 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Entering Guadosalam and Talking To Maechen (1:54) 3. Seymour's Holodeck (19:00) 4. Conversations With Lulu and the Farplane (31:55) 5. Jyscal Walks Out Of The Farplane/Leaving Guadosalam (53:18)

1. Intro (0:00) 2. Dose Temple (0:22) 3. Moonflow (36:54) 4. Shoepuff (40:04) 5. Rikku (1:12:25) 6. Comments (1:21:40) 7. SPOILERS Discussion (1:24:29)

For next time, play up to Guadosalam. In today's episode, we hit the Mi'ihen Highroad! Sin attacks inland areas too, it seems. After a beautiful moment with Yuna, we head out towards more of the death and sadness that constantly threatens Spira. There's lots of good stuff here, so let's dive in! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Mi’ihen Highroad (0:42) 3. Tidus and Yuna at Sunset (30:46) 4. Towards the Crusaders (49:16) 5. Sin Attacks (1:19:38) 6. SPOILERS Discussion (1:40:26)

Time Codes: 1. Into (0:00) 2. More thoughts on Lulu's outburst (0:30) 3. Kilika Temple (03:07) 4. Leaving Kilika (22:11) 5. Arriving In Luca and The Blitzball Tournament (49:22) 6. Auron Is Spotted In Luca (57:32) 7. Yuna Gets Kidnapped By The Al Bhed (1:03:53) 8. Auron Arrives/Blitzball Championship (1:23:22) 9. Tidus Confronts Auron (1:32:13) 10. The Infamous Laughing Scene (1:37:35) 11. Responding To Some Comments From Episode 3 (1:49:30)

In today's episode, Tidus travels with Yuna to Kilika Temple. On the way, we see how destructive a force Sin can be in Spira, and how much Yuna knows about Jecht. We get a good look at Yuna and how her character design may foreshadow certain things about her story. That sending scene is beautiful. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Wakka and Lulu talking (0:10) 3. Going to the Boat (12:26) 4. Aboard the Boat (27:32) 5. The Aftermath of Sin (57:04) 6. The Road to Kilika Temple (1:14:12) 7. SPOILERS Discussion (1:30:01)

In today's episode, we finally make it to Spira. We meet Rikku, Wakka, Yuna, Kimahri and Lulu. The story is just getting started but there is a lot of stuff that most players will not have noticed when they first played the game. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Ghostly Figure Identity (00:24) 3. Spira (2:28) 4. Diving Expedition(17:00) 5. Wakka (37:22) 6. Besaid Temple (56:15) 7. Yuna (1:10:05) 8. SPOILERS Section (1:24:26)

In today's episode, we analyze the game's opening scenes, including Tidus' hometown of Zanarkand being destroyed by Sin. This sequence is PACKED with lots of good stuff! Time Codes: 1. Into (0:00) 2. Casen's Title Screen Thoughts (4:44) 3. Opening Scene (Title Screen Scene) (08:47) 4. Proper First Scene (Introduction To Zanarkand) (12:41) 5. Mike's Take On Complaints About Tidus' Voice (20:51) 6. Casen's Thoughts On Clothing And Wardrobe (31:59) 7. Tidus Interacts With Fans Before Heading To The Blitzball Arena (34:37) 8. Sin's Attack (48:49) 9. Auron's Character Design (53:51) 10. Fleeing Sin, Entering Spira (1:00:03)

In the first episode of our Final Fantasy X podcast series, we recount the development history of the game and the key developers who created this PS2 masterpiece. Time Codes: 1. Into (0:00) 2. Key Developers (4:37) 3. Development History (24:42) 4. Recognizing Stylistic Differences In FF Games (59:01)

In the final episode of our Vagrant Story analysis, we finish the second half of the story, discuss more developer interviews, and answer questions from the audience! We hope you enjoyed this series! Final Fantasy X will be next! Time Codes: 1. Into (0:00) 2. Ashley Spies On Samantha And Guildenstern (2:05) 3. Ashley Fights Rosencrantz (10:53) 4. Merlose Becomes A Heart-Seer (22:39) 5. Tierger And Neesa/Guildenstern Arrives At The Grand Cathedral (38:41) 6. Guildenstern Catches Up With Hardin, Merlose, And Joshua (40:46) 7. Sydney Is Bardorba's Son (1:00:11) 8. Sydney Faces Off Against Rosencrantz (1:05:17) 9. Sydney Faces Off Against Guildenstern (1:15:39) 10. Ashley Arrives Late/Final Fight With Guildenstern (1:22:23) 11. Ashley Comes To Terms With His Past (1:37:21) 12. Analysis Of The Ending (1:45:08)

In the next episode, we'll be finishing the game. I know that's a lot of game to get through, and you might have to break it up over a few play sessions, but the story is VERY spread out over the rest of the game. In the second episode of our Vagrant Story deep-dive, we see Sydney's use of power on others, including Ashley himself. Is Sydney going to convince the one who hunts him to become his disciple instead? Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Ashley Compels Hardin (0:34) 3. Guildenstern Samantha and Ashley Meet (5:26) 4. Snowfly Forest (14:58) 5. Sydney: “Follow Me, Ashley Riot” Scene (35:45)

In the second episode of our Vagrant Story deep-dive, we explore the once-thriving city of Lea Monde. After an Earthquake, this city became abandoned. Those who remain live a cursed life; as there is a dark power lurking beneath. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Lea Monde (0:44) 3. The first battles (15:28) 4. Ashley’s Vision of His Past (33:03) 5. Above Ground (1:14:09)

In the first episode of our Vagrant Story deep-dive, we examine the game's development history and examine the opening cinematics that set the stage for the story! shmuplations interview: https://shmuplations.com/vagrantstory/ Time Codes: 1. Into (0:00) 2. Key Developers (1:50) 3. Things You Should Know Before Playing (5:44) 4. Start Screen Movies (10:55) 5. Opening Scene Of The Game (42:23) 6. Duke Bardoba and Rosencrantz (1:09:30)

In this episode of our Hellblade analysis, we cover the remainder of the game. From the retrieval of Gramr, to the confrontation of Hela. We even go into a bit of the controversy surrounding this game. For Vagrant Story, you'll want to play up to the point where Hardin and Sydney have an argument about whether their cause is lost. Sydney then "compels" Hardin a bit so that he'll calm down and agree. That cutscene is where you want to play up to. Sorry I can't be more specific. It's hard to describe. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Hela’s Bridge (1:07) 3. The Beach Trials (30:36) 4. Pulling Out the New Sword (1:00:06) 5. Confronting Hella (1:20:52) 6. Responding to the Polygon Article (1:42:37)

Quick announcement! We'll be uploading the podcast tomorrow instead of today. We apologize for the delay. I'm recovering from a medical procedure and Casen is recovering from illness.

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 (2:27:15) 8. Q&A (2:56:49)

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. Meeting with Zalbag (13:38) 5. The Inquisition (22:04) 6. Inclusion of Fantasy and the Divine (42:49) 7. Book of Germonique and Christianity (1:01:29) 8. Delita and Ovelia (1:59:46) 9. Marach and Rafa (2:25:04) 10. Riovanes Castle (2:37:45)

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 Falls (49:49) 5. The Castled City of Zaland (1:14:51)) 6. Balias Tor and Accompanying Cutscenes (1:25:45) 7. Lionel Castle and Goug Machine City (1:46:44) 8. Port City of Warjilis, Golgollada Gallows (2:03:14) 9. Delita and Ovelia at Lionel Castle (2:15:40) 10. Weigraf At the Lenalian Plateau (2:24:50) 11. Lionel Castle, End of Chapter 2 (2:26:04)

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. Orbonne Monastery (19:01) 5. Gariland (38:14) 6. The Death Of Barbaneth Beoulve (43:54) 7. Mandalia Plains/Rescuing Algus (51:37) 8. Eagrose Castle (56:48) 9. Dorter (1:08:58) 10. Sand Rat's Sietch (1:12:42) 11. Return To Eagrose Castle (1:16:47) 12. Brigand's Den (1:19:52) 13. Eagrose Attacked! (1:20:45)

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) 2. Development History(1:06) 3. Background On Ivalice, Its Kings, And Its Wars (1:05:02)

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 (10:09) 4. The Conduit and Saving The Citadel (37:10) 5. Discussion On The Ending (1:06:43) 6. Discussion On How Romance Was Handled (1:12:28) 7. Overall Feelings On ME1 (1:22:33) 8. Responding To Comments (1:28:21)

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.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: @resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stat…st/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: pca.st/NJsJ Join Our Discord Server: discord.gg/vWzXpTc Patreon Page: www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: www.facebook.com/resonantarc

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) 3. The Galaxy Map (07:33) 4. Liara's Dig Site (17:52) 5. Noveria (43:44) 6. Developing Trust And Romance With Your Squad (1:23:45) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/vWzXpTc Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

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. Hearing With The Citadel Council (31:09) 5. Feelings On The Renegade Path (40:20) 6. Finding Evidence Against Saren (56:54) 7. Presenting The Evidence To The Council (1:08:57) 8. Updated Thoughts On Female Shepard's Voice (1:13:20) 9. Additional Notes On The Citadel And Side Quests (1:15:17) 10. Thoughts On How Romance Is Handled In This Game (1:36:52)

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 (13:01) 4. Brief Background On The Mass Effect Universe (1:04:26) 5. Prologue Mission "Eden Prime" (1:09:17) **We’re Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3 **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/vWzXpTc Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Subscribe Star: https://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc Twitter: https://twitter.com/resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

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.com/channel/UC-ZMfpromeak2dHU4IybFYw Patrick Holleman's Game Design Forum Website: http://thegamedesignforum.com/ Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. The Story Behind The Spoken Audio Clip In The Track Knight Of Fire (4:10)) 3. Does Xenogears Have The Best Cast Of Villains? (7:42) 4. What Exactly Did The Gazel Ministry/Cain Want With Deus? (12:13) 5. Was The Egyptian God Mahan Worshipped During The Time Of Ramesses II? (24:06) 6. Can You Elaborate Any More On The Details Of The Diabolos Corps? (26:58) 7. Why Did Krelian Need Elly? (32:34) 8. Comments On The Manufactured Conflict Between The Ethos and Shevat (39:05) 9. What Are The Requirements To Resurrect Deus? (44:08) 10. Plato's Influence On Gnosticism (47:21) 11. Thoughts On Fei and Elly's Relationship Now That The Playthrough Is Over? (59:32) 12. Any Thoughts On Xenosaga's Connections to Xenogears? (1:03:06) 13. Theories On Why Deus Was Trying To Go To Lost Jerusalem/Earth? (1:11:07) 14. Which Era In the Xenogears Timeline Would You Like To See Expanded On? (1:15:58) 15. Why Does Grahf Give Power To Bishop Stone/Stein? (1:22:26) 16. Thoughts On How Disc 2 Scenes Were Prioritized? (1:26:04) 17. A Question For Casen About The Translation Of The Creid Album (1:33:10) 18. How Did Xenogears Personally Impact Each Of You? (1:37:40) 19. Can You Comment On What This Game Says About Hierarchies? (2:01:26) 20. How Would You Feel About A Modernized Version Of Xenogears? (2:05:22) 21. Which Element Do You Feel Made Xenogears Work Despite Its Shortcomings? (2:11:57) 22. How Xenogears Makes Comparisons (2:17:45) 23. How Did Takahashi and Tanaka (Soraya Saga) Come Up With This Stuff? (2:28:05) 24. Is The Complexity Of Xenogears Rewarding Or Is There An Element Of Diminishing Returns? (2:32:39) 25. What Is The Relationship Between Miang, Cain, and the Gazel Ministry? (2:39:27) 26. Is The Story Of Xenogears Ideal For A Video Game Or Something Else? (2:47:45) 27. Is There Any Other Game With This Level Of Narrative Density? (2:53:29) 28. Is Xenogears A Masterpiece? (2:57:58) 29. How Do We Feel About Chu-Chu At The End Of This Playthrough? (3:06:41) 30. How Jaques Lacan's "Desire" Explains Lacan's Transformation Into Grahf (3:11:02) 31. Did You Ever Feel Elly Was Going To Die At Some Point? (3:20:41) 32. Could You Give A Bit Of A Retrospective On What Happened With Takahashi Post-Xenogears? (3:25:55) 33. Any Other Interesting Parallels/Similarities Between Xenogears And FF7? (3:33:20) 34. What Did Perfect Works Add To Your Exploration Of Xenogears' Story? (3:36:08) 35. Wrapping Up (3:46:09)

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 Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Readdressing The Attack on Merkava (1:45) 3. Welcome to Hoth! (5:13) 4. Return to Zeboim (27:13) 5. Final Dungeon (41:53) 6. Inside the wave existence (52:06) 7. Return to Earth (2:02:55)

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 (4:31) 3. A Comprehensible Gazel Ministry Scene (13:59) 4. Wiseman Attempts To Galvanize Fei (26:44) 5. Entering Merkava (30:38) 6. Ramsus Backstory/Fei's Mother Was Miang! (34:36) 7. Confronting Krelian and Miang (46:19) 8. What Is The Zohar A Reference To? (1:04:49) 9. Continuing With The Breakdown Of Miang's Monologue (1:07:43) 10. What Is The Kadamony A Reference To? (1:19:02) 11. The Merkava Emerges (1:23:19)

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 nano-machines (34:00) 5. Ramsus importance in the story (1:09:56) 6. Fei and Elly’s relationship (1:37:25) 7. Mahanon (1:59:39)

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://www.subscribestar.com/resonant-arc For the next episode, play up through Razael's Tree! In today's episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, Citan unbetrays us and helps us escape from Solaris, but not before we are betrayed by Hammer and confronted by Grahf. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Krelian Discovers The Uroborus Ring In Elly's Introns (3:53) 3. Citan Patronizes Fei (28:12) 4. Ramsus Threatens Elly (40:01) 5. Citan Wields A Sword Now (46:21) 6. Escaping Solaris Hammer's Betrayal (51:08) 7. Battle Against Grahf and Destruction of Solaris (1:03:23) 8. Elly Confronts Id (1:17:29) 9. Back To Shevat/Citan Explains Fei's Disassociative Identity Disorder (1:19:33) 10. Shevat's Leaders Vote To Put Fei In Carbon Freeze (1:29:56)

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 (1:09:23) 7. The Soylent System (1:19:42) 8. Solaris' Facilities (1:37:17) 9. Citan's "Betrayal" (1:53:34)

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 DISCUSSION 1, on to Bart Returns to Bledavik (43:58) 6. Destroying the Second Gate (52:32) 7. To The Third Gate (1:04:26) 8. SPOILER Discussion on Elly (1:06:49) 9. END SPOILER DISCUSSION 2, on to Emeralda (1:15:48)

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 (0:27) 3. Meeting Queen Zephyr (6:03) 4. NPCs And Lore Dumps (8:14) 5. Dominia Infiltrates Shevat (55:31) 6. Nikolai Balthasar Attacks Shevat (1:10:46) 7. Chu-Chu Analysis (1:13:48) 8. Maria Faces Her Father (1:38:10) 9. Zephyr, Wiseman, and Gaspar (1:39:20) 10. The Best Part Of Every JRPG--When You Get Your Airship (1:52:39)

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. On to Babel Tower (52:48)

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) 3. Ethos Massacre (11:50) 4. Thames Attacked (25:15) 5. Excavation Site (28:45)

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 Help From The Ethos (1:16:19) 9. Spoiler Warning Starting Point (1:24:43) 10. Spoiler End Point (1:28:13) 11. Billy's Orphanage (1:39:28)

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 Conversation With Wiseman (1:03:38) 8. Battle Arena Championship (1:12:16) 9. Introduction to Dominia (1:14:43) 10. Meeting Kaiser Sigmund (1:20:11) 11. Wrapping Up (1:34:01)

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)

In the seventh episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, Bart confronts Sigurd and Citan about their ties to Solaris. Then, plans are made to usurp power from Shakhan and put Bart back on the throne. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Bart Confronts Sigurd and Citan (0:17) 3. Massive Tangent About A Game We Want Someone To Make (26:08) 4. Battle Plans To Take Back Bart's Throne (33:37) 5. Calm Before The Storm (40:11) 6. Ramsus' Dream (58:21) 7. Franz (1:05:56) 8. Elly Struggles To Assert Her Command (1:08:39) 9. Fei's Confrontation With Elly and Gebler Pilots (1:09:49)

In the sixth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, we escape Bledavik and make our way to Nisan. Here we learn about the origins of Nisan's church and its founding figure (Sophia) who bears a remarkable resemblance to Elly. We also make an effort to summarize Carl Jung's influences on this game. Time Codes: 1. Intro and Update On FF Retrospectives (0:00) 2. Battle Against Ramsus (03:18) 3. Meeting Elly Again (22:18) 4. Citan Sends Messages (Commands?) To Ramsus? (30:42) 5. Chu Chu (35:15) 6. Sigurd Giving Bart Reasons To Distrust Him (41:38) 7. Sigurd's Conversation With Citan (43:40) 8. Nisan (1:05:41) 9. Jungian Influences On Xenogears (1:13:53) 10. Portrait of Sophia (1:47:27)

In the fifth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, the introduction to the Yggrasil through rescuing Margie and... Chu Chu... This part of the game is amazing. The cinematography and the character development we witness here are integral to understanding Xenogears. Timecodes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Yggdrasil (1:06) 3. Enneagram (46:30) 4. Yggdrasil attacked (1:10:50) 5. Ramsus intro (1:26:40) 6. Bledavik (1:38:40) 7. Tournament and Rescue (1:50:45)

In the fourth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, we're joined once again by Chris and Eric from Retrograde Amnesia to cover Dazil through the Yggdrasil. From translation to philosophy, this part of the game sets the stage for all the events that will follow. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Dazil (3:00) 3. Desert (30:10) 4. Grahf (36:40) 5. Captured (1:00:52) 6. Liberation (1:17:20) 7. Caves (1:22:56) 8. Escape from Caves (1:52:42)

In the third episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, we're joined once again by Chris and Eric from Retrograde Amnesia to cover Lahan Village through the Blackmoon forest. There's a lot to talk about in this short introductory section of the game! Retrograde Amnesia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZMfpromeak2dHU4IybFYw Timecodes: 1. Opening Political Exposition Dump (0:00) 2. Thoughts On The Effectiveness Of Xenogears Opening As A Hook (5:31) 3. Lahan Village (16:00) 4. Citan's House (38:12) 5. The Destruction Of Lahan Vilalge (1:01:57) 6. Blackmoon Forest (1:17:05) 7. Wrapping Up (1:41:26)