State of the Arc Podcast

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)

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