State of the Arc Podcast

In this second episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, we're joined by Chris and Eric from Retrograde Amnesia to cover a very basic introduction to gnostic cosmology and the opening cutscene of the game--which is filled to the brim with symbolism and foreshadowing! Retrograde Amnesia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZMfpromeak2dHU4IybFYw Timecodes: 1. Introduction To This Week's Guests (0:00) 2. A Fair Warning About So-Called "Spoilers" (4:05) 3. Extra Tidbits Of Dev History (5:38) 4. An Intro To Gnostic Cosmology (12:03) 5. Analysis Of The Prologue/Opening Cutscene (26:52) 6. Spoiler Warning (1:17:06) 7. End of Spoilers (1:23:03) 8. Wrapping Up (1:35:49)

In the first episode of our deep-dive analysis of Xenogears, we cover the development history of this JRPG classic. 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 Squaresoft--one which was meant to push the industry in ways Final Fantasy simply wasn't doing. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Where To Begin? (4:17) 3. Getting To Know The Creators (9:12) 4. The Purpose Of Criticism (59:27) 5. Religious Controversy (1:11:35) 6. Hellish Localization Efforts of Richard Honeywood (1:23:22) 7. Explaining Aizuchi--There's A Lot Of This In Xenogears (1:38:39) 8. Developers Were Overworked On Xenogears (1:51:26) 9. What To Keep In Mind As You Start Xenogears (2:00:33)

In this fourth episode of our deep-dive analysis of Nier Replicant, we look at Grimoire NieR and other supplementary materials to help us understand the story better. Next, we move on to Xenogears and hope everyone will join us next week! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Overview of the Podcast (1:34) 3. Grimoire Nier (8:00) 4. Emil and Sodom and Gomorrah (1:49:21) 5. Roberto Szeck, Kaine’s Portrait (2:00:55) 6. Greg Troyan, Melodrama (2:03:37) 7. Angst, a few points (2:09:57) 8. ICE, Drakengard Connection (2:15:56) 9. Slave, Disagree on B (2:16:50) 10. Jace1551, localization (2:38:39) 11. Final thoughts and feelings (2:40:53) 12. Ending, onward to Xenogears (2:53:57)

In this third episode of our deep-dive analysis of Nier Replicant, we look at the recontextualization of the B and C routes, as well as endings B, C, D, and E. We also discuss the new Episode Mermaid scenario added to Seafront! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Corrections From Last Time (5:16) 3. Beginning Our Discussion On Route B (35:38) 4. Discussion On The Effectiveness Of Route B's Recontextualization (57:21) 5. Summary Of Each New Scenario In Route B (1:24:21) 6. Scenes Added To Route C (1:49:55) 7. The Aerie And Shadowlord's Castle Recontextualized (1:52:25) 8. Miscellaneous Notes (1:56:26) 9. Thoughts On Ending B (2:06:28) 10. Thoughts On Endings C and D (2:19:20) 11. Thoughts On Ending E (2:31:34) 12. Wrapping Up (2:50:21)

In this second episode of our deep-dive analysis of Nier Replicant/Gestalt, we look at all the key story events leading up to the A ending of the game. Since there is a lot to cover, we will mostly be focusing on summarizing those events and dissecting the technical execution of each scene. Next time, we'll focus a little more on character analysis and philosophy. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Nier Replicant Remaster Thoughts (3:53) 3. Act 1 Revisiting The Aerie (28:04) 4. Act 1 Visiting Facade (42:30) 5. Act 1 Visiting The Forest Of Myth (1:08:45) 6. Act 1 Visiting The Haunted Manor (1:20:49) 7. The End Of Act 1 (1:30:39) 8. Five Year Time Skip--Beginning Of Act 2 (1:40:18) 9. Act 2 Revisiting The Haunted Manor/Underground Lab (1:44:38) 10. Act 2 Freeing Kaine From Petrification (1:52:16) 11. Act 2 Key Fragments To The Shadowlord's Castle (2:02:16) 12. Act 2 Revisiting The Junkheap (2:04:01) 13. Act 2 Revisiting Facade (2:09:38) 14. Act 2 Revisiting The Forest Of Myth (2:18:22) 15. Act 2 Revisiting The Aerie (2:25:42) 16. Act 2 The Shadowlord's Castle And Ending A (2:39:07) 17. Wrapping Up (3:19:23)

In this first episode of our deep-dive analysis of Nier Replicant/Gestalt, we look at the key members of the development staff and the reasoning behind their creative decisions in turning Nier into its own IP rather than a direct Drakengard sequel. We also examine the thought process and style of director Yoko Taro, and how his observations of human nature shaped the themes of Nier. After that, we dive into Nier’s prologue, show why it is such a strong hook for the story, and continue up through the Junkheap and Seafront areas. Time Codes: 1. Introduction (0:00) 2. Development History (05:06) 3. Drakengard E Ending Spoiler Warning (27:25) 4. What is Nier's Core Theme? (39:30) 5. Summary and Analysis of Nier's Prologue (1:02:32) 6. Summary and Analysis of the Village (1:20:13) 7. Summary and Analysis of Lost Shrine (1:29:31) 8. Summary and Analysis of Song of the Ancients (1:37:33) 9. Summary and Analysis of the Aerie (1:44:02) 10. Summary and Analysis of the Junkheap (2:03:18) 11. Summary and Analysis of Seafront (2:10:56) 12. Wrapping Up (2:15:14)

In this episode, we analyze the end of disc 3 and the conclusion of the story in disc 4 of Final Fantasy 8. This culminates in the party entering the Lunatic Pandora to confront Seifer and Adel, as well as the initiation of time compression, and the final showdown with the sorceress Ultimecia herself. Time Codes: 1. What Game Are We Covering Next? (0:00) 2. Flower Field Scene And Additional Thoughts On Opening FMV (3:11) 3. The Role Of The Sorceress' Knight (32:00) 4. Explaining Time Compression And Who Ultimecia Is (39:15) 5. Meeting Laguna And The Process Of Surviving Time Compression (51:29) 6. Thoughts On How Seifer Was Handled In The Final Act (1:13:08) 7. End Of The Game (1:26:31) 8. Casen Reconsiders His Opinion About Squall On The Ragnarok (1:34:39) 9. FF8's Greatest Strengths And Weaknesses (1:47:09) 10. Why We Don't Want To Discuss Fan Theories (1:52:21) 11. Response To A Comment On Our Critique Of Galbadia vs. Balamb Garden (2:00:14) 12. Thank You To Those Who Watched And Commented On This Series (2:04:18) 13. Touching On The Lore Of The Great Hyne (2:05:26) 14. Response To A Comment On Our Critique Of Basketball Court Scene (2:10:55) 15. Response To A Comment On Our Critique Of Vocal Eyes On Me During Romantic Scene (2:15:16) 16. Our Apology To Throwaway Mcgee (2:19:15) 17. Thoughts On Ultimecia As A Villain (2:21:40) 18. Does The Many Worlds Theorum Apply To FF8? (2:23:00) 19. Response To A Comment About Dialogue Options For Squall (2:24:55) 20. Response To A Comment About Error Ratio (2:27:36) 21. A Female Perspective On The Romance In FF8 (2:31:46) 22. More Comments On Dialogue Options For Squall (2:32:28) 23. Response To "It's A Fantasy Story" As A Dissmisal of Criticism (2:33:42) 24. Wrapping Up (2:45:19)

In this episode, we analyze disc 3 of Final Fantasy 8, which begins with Squall waking up in his room at Balamb Garden and realizing Rinoa has fallen into a coma. As Edea unveils that a sorceress from the future is behind all the chaos that's been happening, Squall is forced to evaluate his feelings, his emotional trauma, and whether he wants to continue leading the Garden--all while his desperation to save Rinoa boils over.

In this third episode of our deep-dive into Final Fantasy VIII, we examine the entirety of disc two, which includes an escape from D-District Prison, the destruction of a Galbadian missile base, navigating a civil war within Balamb Garden, crashing into Fisherman's Horizon, saving Balamb Village from the clutches of the Sorceress, learning the truth of our characters' origins in a certain orphanage, and a final clash between Balamb and Galbadia Garden!

In this second episode of our deep-dive into Final Fantasy VIII, we examine the graduation of our party members from students at Balamb Garden into full members of SeeD, then continue all the way through the end of disk 1--which culminates with the failed assassination attempt on the sorceress Edea.

In this first episode of our deep-dive into Final Fantasy VIII, we look at the key members of the development staff and the reasoning behind their decisions to mix things up and take FF8 in a very different direction from past entries. We also examine the style of director Yoshinori Kitase and character designer Tetsuya Nomura--this being their first opportunity to do things the way they saw fit without the oversight of Hironobo Sakaguchi. What makes a strong hook? Are the characters convincing? Was the setting relatable and compelling? We answer these questions and more after playing through the opening hours of Final Fantasy 8! Time Codes: 1. Introduction To Our Analytical Process (1:09) 2. Our Personal History And Opinions Of FF8 (6:29) 3. Development History And Influences (11:36) 4. Summary Of What We Played For This Episode (49:06) 5. Analysis Of The Game's Style (58:30) 6. Early Thoughts On Characters (1:27:00) 7. Other Observations (1:42:20) Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/vWzXpTc Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

You guys have voted for Final Fantasy VIII to be our first game to cover in a multi-episode, long-form analysis. We've got lots of great info ready for the first episode! Looking forward to sharing it with you. Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/vWzXpTc Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We will be adjusting our podcast format starting with the next episode! Moving forward, we are going to have the audience select a game for us to do a deep dive on, which we will analyze over multiple episodes. Please vote on which game you'd like us to start with by clicking on the following strawpoll: https://www.strawpoll.me/21134118 Time Codes: 1. Patreon Announcements (0:51) 2. Changing The Format Of The Podcast (02:51) 3. Are Great Artists Destined To Lose Their Touch? (07:00)

Final Fantasy XVI has been officially announced, and today we're giving our thoughts on the first trailer. We'll also discuss what we've been up to over the past few months, give some updates on videos we're working on, and more! Steel Lake Studio: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtO2ECGzLXSaimfQtwbvv6w Parallel Quest Podcast: https://www.steellakestudio.com/parallelquest FF16 Japanese Trailer (Eng Subtitles): https://twitter.com/aitaikimochi/status/1307339397986095104 Time Codes: 1. Final Fantasy Retrospectives Updates and Announcements (6:55) 2. What We've Been Up To (16:45) 3. Final Fantasy XVI Impressions (40:05) 4. Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X Price Announcements (1:31:30) 5. Super Mario 3D Allstars Limited Run Controversy (1:36:50)

We're back in the studio again! Today we discuss how recent events are accelerating change in the game industry, how Lost Odyssey explores the burdens of immortal life, and the problems with writing time travel stories. Time Codes: 1. Accelerating Change In The Game Industry (3:15) 2. How Lost Odyssey Explores The Burdens Of Immortality (19:15) 3. The Problem With Writing Time Travel Stories (53:35)

Pat Holleman joins me again, alongside Hian (a game developer living and working in Japan) to talk more about our thoughts on the Final Fantasy VII Remake as well as what we think the "spirit" of Final Fantasy is. We also dig into series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi's JRPG formula. Pat's Upcoming Video Game "Quartet": https://quartetrpg.com/ Pat's Reverse Design Series: http://thegamedesignforum.com/books/books.html Time Codes: 1. Final Fantasy VII Remake Spoiler Discussion (2:54) 2. What Is The Spirit Of Final Fantasy? (58:28)

Time Codes: How Has Your Audience Responded To The Ending?: 3:58 What Were Your Expectations For FF7R When First Announced?: 12:27 How Do You Define A Remake? What Is The Purpose Of A Remake?: 27:47 Was Square's Marketing Misleading?: 53:26 What Do You Think Square Got The Most Right With FF7R?: 1:06:14 Discussion On FF7R's Design Philosophy And Similarity To FF13: 1:18:35 Discussion On FF7R's Combat Mechanics: 1:52:45 Discussion On Story Expansion And Changes: 2:20:50 Patreon Questions: Which Character Got The Best Treatment In FF7R?: 2:50:26 How Do You Feel About Cloud Standing Toe To Toe With Sephiroth So Early In The Story?: 2:52:42 How Would You Do An Alternate/Parallel Universe Story Faithfully To The Original Game: 2:58:00 How Did You Feel About The Death Fakeout Scene?: 3:02:26 What Are Your Thoughts On The Possible Meta Narrative Elements Of The Ending?: 3:08:35

Today we discuss our thoughts on Dragon Quest Your Story, Final Fantasy The Spirits Within, and the Final Fantasy VII Remake demo. Casen's Dragon Quest Your Story Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak3oANe5dfs TIME CODES: 1. Patreon Questions (2:36) 2. Should Adaptions Be Judged By Faithfulness To Source Material? (22:29) 3. Thoughts On Dragon Quest Your Story (39:25) 4. Thoughts On Final Fantasy The Spirits Within (50:40) 5. Final Fantasy VII Remake Demo Thoughts (1:13:23)

Today we discuss what we believe the "spirit" of Final Fantasy is, as well as what makes a good "foil" character. TIME CODES: 1. What Is The Spirit Of Final Fantasy? (6:22) 2. What Makes A Good Foil Character? (35:00)

Today we give our thoughts on the Witcher Netflix series and look back on our favorite games of both 2019 and the last decade as a whole. TIME CODES: 1. Thoughts On The Witcher (Netflix) (2:52) 2. Our Favorite Games Of 2019 (33:06) 3. Our Favorite Games Of The Decade (1:05:05)

Today we give our thoughts on getting older, and how it changes our thoughts on seeking for exciting experiences in life vs. creating them for a younger generation. TIME CODES: 1. Responses To Last Week’s Podcast (2:37) 2. FF7 Remake Trailer Thoughts (1:01:08) 3. How Getting Older Changes Your Perception (1:32:38) 4. Community Stories (1:59:26) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Casen’s Video On Learning Japanese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4TchPa3c58 COMMUNITY STORIES: Lipstick Generation Music Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpUWMCV6FyE Lipstick Generation Website: http://www.lipstickgeneration.com/ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

Today we give our thoughts on last week’s lengthy and announcement filled Nintendo Direct, as well as the new Netflix Original Dark Crystal series. TIME CODES: 1. Nintendo Direct Thoughts Start At (1:38) 2. Super Smash Bros Announcements (9:43) 3. Dragon Quest XI S (13:02) 4. Tokyo Mirage Sessions (15:15) 5. Deadly Premonition 2 (25:09) 6. Pokemon Sword and Shield (29:19) 7. Star Wars Jedi Knight II (44:12) 8. Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition (53:49) 9. Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance (1:28:07) 10. Community Stories (1:37:12) COMMUNITY STORIES: Surpremekatakuri’s article on Yggdrasil: https://fullmetaldrippy.wordpress.com/2019/08/18/yggdrasil-the-tree-that-can-save-the-world/ Caius’s Post-Apocalyptic FPS “The Orpheus Project: https://twitter.com/StudioSyndiCat Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

Today Mike discusses his thoughts on Suikoden II. As always, these are not final opinions. The purpose of these discussions is to get feedback from the audience, which will be considered and represented in the final retrospective on the YouTube channel. If you disagree with any of the points made, feel free to let us know how you feel! TIME CODES: 1. What I Liked (5:17) 2. What I Disliked (21:57) 3. Spoiler Discussion (56:21) 4. Responding To Chat (1:17:37) Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

In light of the rule of diminishing returns, it seems that we’re bound to grow to dislike most art/media the more they engage with it. If so, how do you square your priorities as a consumer? Is it better to be "ignorant but happy" or a media wiz and constantly dissatisfied with new stuff you encounter? That is the main topic for this week’s podcast, but we also discuss fight choreography, as well as the coming release for the Grandia HD Collection.

We discuss our thoughts on when a story (in particular a television series) overstays its welcome and starts to drag. We also discuss a few games/shows we’ve been into lately. TIME CODES: 1. Stuff We’ve Been Watching/Playing Lately (1:31) 2. How To Do A Proper Remake (20:57) 3. Community Stories (1:15:03) COMMUNITY STORIES: Symfonikev’s Original Composition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv1lXogh_OE Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on why it is so difficult for remakes of beloved media to land with the same impact as the original. Mike also gives his early thoughts on Fire Emblem Three Houses. TIME CODES: 1. Fire Emblem Three Houses Thoughts (1:19) 2. How To Do A Proper Remake (15:10) 3. Community Stories (1:22:06) Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on how to write high stakes into a story with small scale, as well as discuss our impressions of the Switch Lite, the new Picard TV series, and the Witcher Netflix series. TIME CODES: 1. Nintendo Switch Lite (1:38) 2. Thoughts On “Picard” (21:50) 3. Witcher Netflix Series (33:25) 4. Writing High Stakes In Low Scale Stories (48:04) Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc

Today we're joined by the Game Professor from Games As Literature to discuss the value of game narrative, as well has his experience teaching literature in high school using video game stories. Games As Lit Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/gamesasliterature TIME CODES: 1. Harvest Moon GBA Remake (1:34) 2. The Value Of Game Narrative (7:05) 3. Community Stories (54:26) Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on realism vs. formalism, and how inconsistency in tone can undermine any approach you choose in telling your story. TIME CODES: 1. Hyper Light Drifter Co-Op (0:45) 2. One Punch Man Season 2 Thoughts (5:21) 3. Chernobyl Is Amazing (17:54) 4. Why Do People Demand Realism? (23:07) 5. Community Stories (1:15:29) COMMUNITY STORIES: Dance Card Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cardboardconsole/dance-card Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss the difficulties of writing a prequel story and how to create something that can be engaging even when the audience knows how it will end. TIME CODES: How To Write A Good Prequel (0:43) Community Questions (1:18:56) Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on many of the great E3 2019 announcements! Lorerunner, Phoenix Edge, and some other rad dudes from discord joined us as well! Lorerunner: http://lorerunner.com/ https://www.twitch.tv/thelorerunner https://www.youtube.com/user/Archengeia Phoenix Edge RPG Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIX_7uaTXjhBvxMvUWwbfLA Sorry for not having time codes this week. There's just way too many topics. Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss what makes pixel art so endearing with Kim Herbst and Tim Wendorf. You can see their amazing pixel art work via the following links! Kim: www.kimherbst.com https://twitter.com/kiwifruitbird https://www.instagram.com/kiwifruitbird/ Tim: https://www.instagram.com/pixelgroover/ https://twitter.com/pixelgroover https://twitter.com/CoromonTheGame TIME CODES: 1. FFVI Done In Octopath Style (5:13) 2. What Makes Pixel Art So Endearing? (10:11) 3. Community Stories (1:26:17) LINKS WE REFERENCED: FFVI Octopath Style: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymnMd4tfAFI&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop The Last Night: https://store.steampowered.com/app/612400/The_Last_Night/ COMMUNITY STORIES: MoSenko’s Top 10 Uematsu Compositions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-XWFDWSekQ&feature=youtu.be Lipstick Generation’s Game Of Thrones Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-XWFDWSekQ&feature=youtu.be Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss the decline of Game of Thrones’ writing quality in the wake of the series finale. TIME CODES: 1. FFXV Novel Will Be Released In Fall 2019 (1:24) 2. George RR Martin Consulting With FromSoftware? (6:32) 3. Sonic Movie Delayed To Fix Sonic’s Design (10:40) 4. The Decline Of GoT Writing (15:10) 5. Community Stories (1:25:59) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Dawn of the Future Novel: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/05/17/square-enix-manga-being-launched-with-penguin-random-house-outside-of-japan/ George R.R. Martin Working With FromSoftware?: https://www.destructoid.com/games-of-thrones-ice-fire-creator-blog-post-lends-credence-to-from-software-collaboration-rumors-554369.phtml Sonic Movie Delayed: https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/24/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-delayed-design/ COMMUNITY STORIES: Jay Lee’s Post Malone Cover: https://soundcloud.com/j4y_l3e/othersiderhcp/s-mhgJj Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our in-depth thoughts on the Final Fantasy VII Remake teaser trailer! TIME CODES: 1. Matsuno To Make Another FF Tactics Game? (1:04) 2. FF7 Remake Discussion (6:28) 3. Community Questions (2:20:30) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Yasumi Matsuno Interview: https://www.dualshockers.com/yasumi-matsuno-final-fantasy-tactics-ogre-battle-comments/ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on the Sonic movie debacle, whether pre-rendered backgrounds could work in the modern day, and whether gameplay or story should come first in game development! TIME CODES: 1. Sonic Movie Disaster (0:42) 2. Casen tried Switch VR (22:04) 3. Gameplay Or Story First? (26:31) 4. Can Pre-Rendered Backgrounds Work Today? (1:03:30) 5. Portraying Dark Subject Matter Without Being Explicit (1:19:53) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Jordan Mechner’s Essay: http://electronicbookreview.com/essay/the-sands-of-time-crafting-a-video-game-story/ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on Kingdom Hearts III ReMIND, Nintendo Labo VR, what defines an RPG, and much more! TIME CODES: 1. KHIII ReMIND (0:59) 2. Nintendo Labo VR (4:28) 3. Avengers Endgame Makes 1.2 Billion (9:46) 4. Square Takes Sony’s E3 Time Slot (20:14) 5. LotR Amazon Show (28:00) 6. Greg Troyan GoT Cover (38:27) 7. Ta’veren Podcast (40:39) 8. Chris Guin Questions (41:41) 9. Which Rules Of Writing Do You Disagree With? (59:46) 10. How Do You Define An RPG? (1:05:03) COMMUNITY STORIES: Greg Troyan GoT Cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrlpZFdsunA Ta’veren Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-taveren-a-wheel-of-time-podcast/id1460119215 https://twitter.com/TaverenPod Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on the new confirmed details for the PS5, the Final Fantasy 7 concert just before E3, and how to effectively tell a story without words. TIME CODES: 1. FF7 Symphonic Reunion (0:45) 2. PS5 Details Confirmed (4:49) 3. Xbox One SAD (16:29) 4. How To Tell The Story Without Words (19:48) 5. Community Stories (1:01:14) LINKS WE REFERENCED: FF7 Symphonic Reunion: https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/527265-final-fantasy-7-concert-announced-june-9 PS5 Confirmed Details: https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-price-release-date-specs-launch-games Hayao Miyazaki Quote: https://soranews24.com/2014/01/30/ghiblis-hayao-miyazaki-says-the-anime-industrys-problem-is-that-its-full-of-anime-fans/

We discuss our thoughts on Hajime Tabata’s new game, the Star Wars Episode IX trailer, and how to structure a good side quest in video games! TIME CODES: Hajime Tabata’s New Game (1:19) Star Wars Episode 9 Trailer (8:13) What Makes A Good Side Quest? (1:27:51) Community Stories (1:23:21) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Hajime Tabata’s New Game: https://gematsu.com/2019/04/hajime-tabata-studio-jp-games-announces-paralympic-sports-rpg-the-pegasus-dream-tour Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on Dragon Quest: Your Story as well as what makes a console truly an all-time great! We put a lot of thought into how to measure this fairly, but if you have any suggestions on how to refine it let us know! TIME CODES: 1. Dragon Quest: Your Story (1:48) 2. What Makes A Console Great? (8:13) 3. Community Stories (1:27:51) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Dragon Quest: Your Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANB1TBs6RRA Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

This week Mike discusses the value of ambient soundtracks, and makes a case for them being just as effective as melodic OSTs at commanding the atmosphere and emotion of the story. Also, Episode Ardyn, Hyper Light Drifter TV series, and Sakaguchi’s new game, Fantasian, are discussed! TIME CODES: 1. Apple Arcade (Sakaguchi’s New Game) (2:01) 2. Monolith Hiring Devs For Zelda (7:46) 3. Hyper Light Drifter TV Series (11:36) 4. Sega Genesis Mini (18:00) 5. Episode Ardyn Thoughts (22:53) 6. Are Melodic Soundtracks Always Better Than Ambient Ones? (53:17) 7. Community Stories (1:35:24) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Apple Acade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67umVefSXnY Monolith Soft Hiring For Next Zelda Game: http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2019/8933.html Hyper Light Drifter TV Series: https://www.polygon.com/tv/2019/3/28/18285664/hyper-light-drifter-tv-series-alx-preston-adi-shankar Sega Genesis Mini: https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/30/genesis-mini-release-date-sonic-2/ COMMUNITY STORIES: Playtest Riconius’s Game: https://twitter.com/rantonioart Matria Lockdown Challenge: http://materialockdown.com/ Greg Troyan’s Lord of the Rings Synth Cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-7gUB2_Uks Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss Google Stadia, give predictions for Playstation State of Play, and what makes good pacing in storytelling! TIME CODES: 1. New FF9 Interviews (1:45) 2. Google Stadia (2:50) 3. Playstation State of Play (22:45) 4. What Is Good Pacing? (44:10) LINKS WE REFERENCED: New FF9 Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdsqEurMd2I Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

Description: We upload this podcast every Wednesday morning at 5:00am MT! We stream this podcast every Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm MT on Twitch! https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc We discuss what goes into writing an effective villain for your story, whether you want your audience to fear them or relate to them. You can listen to audio only with the sources below: **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On Google Play**: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/I5q6igs5n2zydfh6bkfg7kumb3q **Listen On iTunes**: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dark-pixel-podcast-dark-pixel/id1121795837?mt=2 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ TIME CODES: The Alliance Alive Remastered (1:26) Towers (4:38) What Makes A Great Villain? (7:35) Community Stories (1:12:35) LINKS WE REFERENCED: The Alliance Alive Remastered: https://gematsu.com/2019/03/the-alliance-alive-hd-remastered-coming-west-this-fall Towers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCtYQPRui7Q Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss what goes into creating an amazing plot twist. Magician’s actually follow a similar process with sleight of hand. Join us as we get to the bottom of what makes a plot twist satisfying. TIME CODES: 1. Pokemon Sword and Shield Announced (1:36) 2. What Makes A Good Plot Twist? (9:21) 3. Community Stories (1:07:34) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Pokemon Sword and Shield Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YDymZteyH8 COMMUNITY STORIES: Lipstick Song - The Flash:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47OUEvjZWCQ ChocolateRob’s Video Game Story Playlists: Vagrant Story: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0C8E4D57603D0983 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0EFAE508FC048FF5 Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL17D844C3D70AE0F5

We discuss what goes into creating a smooth and enjoyable UI in video games. TIME CODES: 1. Reggie Fils-Aime Retiring (0:56) 2. Oninaki Impressions (8:51) 3. Square-Enix Restructuring (17:31) 4. What Makes Good UI Design? (23:27) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Reggie Fils-Aime Is Retiring: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/21/reggie-fils-aime-is-retiring-and-bowser-is-taking-charge-of-nintendo-of-america/ Nintendo E3 Press Conference 2004: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59gY8iJ4DWw Oninaki Getting Help From Takashi Tokita: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/20/oninaki-is-getting-help-from-chrono-trigger-director-takashi-tokita/ Oninaki Famtisu Interview: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/21/how-i-am-setsuna-and-lost-sphears-action-rpg-elements-went-into-the-making-of-oninaki/ Oninaki Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eiw5zQ4hX10 Square-Enix Consolidating After Disappointing Q3: https://techraptor.net/content/square-enix-is-restructuring-its-company-after-disappointing-q3

We discuss this week’s Nintendo Direct, the Episode Ardyn Prologue anime, whether there’s any real point to fantasy fiction, and much more! TIME CODES: 1. Nintendo Direct (1:08) 2. Naoki Yoshida On FF16 (23:49) 3. Final Fantasy 15 Ardyn Prologue Anime (27:37) 4. What Is The Point Of Fantasy (32:46) 5. Community Stories (53:25) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Yoshi-P Wants FF16 To Be A ‘Straightforward Fantasy’: https://gamefragger.com/multiplatform/role-playing/final_fantasy_xv/final-fantasy-xiv-director-would-like-ffxvi-to-be-straightforward-fantasy-with-no-mecha-a14492 Episode Ardyn Prologue Anime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcaNgXq2zLg COMMUNITY STORIES: The World I Never Knew (Original Composition From Symfonikev): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG34E9EiYeQ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

Casen discusses some of his disappointment with Kingdom Hearts III, and Mike chirps in with a few jokes along the way. TIME CODES: 1. Witcher author lawsuit update (2:18) 2. Monster Hunter movie update (13:04) 3. Casen's issues with Kingdom Hearts III (18:36) 4. Community Stories (1:43:40) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Witcher Author Lawsuit Update: https://www.trueachievements.com/n36375/the-witcher-author-to-receive-compensation-from-cd-projekt-red-after-dispute Monster Hunter Movie Update: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/09/monster-hunter-movie-set-for-september-2020-premiere/ COMMUNITY STORIES: Beckoned (Game From Jeremy Thevenot): https://www.beckonedgame.com/?fbclid=IwAR2smdOOTeWlm7sfttO1BLf8wF0on0V6nG9UT3pcYe47DOsjw6001xcOsgI

We discuss whether storytelling in video games is limited, the PS5’s rumored backwards compatibility, and much more! Time Codes: 1. PS Classic Now $50 On Amazon (0:48) 2. PS5 To Be Backwards Compatible With ALL Previous PS Consoles? (1:51) 3. Yasunori Mitsuda Doing A Chrono Cross 20th Anniversary Tour (5:27) 4. Another Eden - New Game From Chrono Writer (6:15) 5. Is Video Game Storytelling Limited? (8:17) 6. Community Stories (40:29) Links We Referenced: PS Classic $50 On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-Classic-Console/dp/B07HHVF2XG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549400845&sr=8-3&keywords=playstation+classic PS5 Backwards Compatibility Patent: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/02/ps5_backwards_compatibility_suggested_by_sony_patent Chrono Cross 20th Anniversary Concert Tour: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/01/yasunori-mitsuda-celebrates-chrono-cross-20th-anniversary-with-a-live-concert-tour-in-november/ Another Eden - Chrono Writer’s New Game: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/01/28/chrono-writers-smartphone-rpg-another-eden-launches-worldwide-today/ Tactics V: “Obsidian Brigade” Closed Beta: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBKKxXSOPcRIg1gaTajVC6JbHDHKiAQk0wyJaqawgVccHADA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR36tEPjHoOo8WkhmxKXhol0LRVTG98IGM4gcAQduQaaa7Fgmh112m_kh6c Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Review (by surpremakatakuri): https://fullmetaldrippy.wordpress.com/2019/02/03/xenoblade-chronicles-2/

We discuss Metroid Prime 4’s development trouble, how to properly adapt a video game to film, and our philosophy on what makes a good localization! Time Codes: 1. Cross Code Coming To Switch (1:30) 2. Metroid 4 Rebotting (4:10) 3. How To Adapt A Video Game To Film (20:17) 4. How Much Should Localization Change From Original Japanese? (1:36:27) Links We Referenced: Cross Code Coming To Switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XU9lz45tKU Metroid Prime 4 Development Rebooted: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/01/25/nintendo-is-restarting-metroid-prime-4-development-retro-studios-involved/ Orson Scott Card Interviews: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865589522/Critics-community-and-Enders-Game-An-interview-with-Orson-Scott-Card.html https://www.noted.co.nz/archive/listener-nz-2013/an-interview-with-orson-scott-card/ Richard Honeywood Localization Interview: https://web.archive.org/web/20060517012317/http://www.edge-online.co.uk/archives/2006/02/qa_square_enixs_1.php Community Stories: Xylon73’s Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 Translation Project: https://serenesforest.net/forums/index.php?/topic/85081-fe5-project-exile-thracia-776-script-and-menu-translation-script-complete-through-chapter-15/

We discuss the utility of silent protagonists and whether or not they "suck", narrative vs. world building and which is more important for RPGs, and how to become more social and gain confidence! Time Codes: 1. Why do silent protagonists suck? (9:01) 2. Narrative vs. world building (27:01) 3. How to become more social (49:19)

We discuss our thoughts on Kingdom Hearts as we prepare for a YouTube collaboration on Riconius’ YouTube channel. Subscribe to him if you’d like to see the discourse! https://www.youtube.com/user/ricardoantonioart Time Codes: 1. Bravely Default Announcement Coming In 2019? (2:53) 2. Bungie Leaves Activision (6:17) 3. Kingdom Hearts Discourse Preparatory Thoughts (13:03) 4. Community Stories (1:14:52) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Bravely Default Announcement Coming In 2019?: https://twitter.com/BDFF_OFFICIAL/status/1082110869352308737?s=19 Bungie Leaves Activision: https://kotaku.com/bungie-splits-with-activision-1831651740 COMMUNITY STORIES: C4DNerd’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4E1ggIqqi8 Amontik Animation: http://www.amontikanimation.com/