Right out the gate we have an exciting podcast for you. Quina, Chocobo's and Moogles, all the things that make Final Fantasy IX great. Meeting Quina's tribe is a blast and making our way through Burmecia was thrilling. We play all the way up to the end of disc 1 for this episode. Next time, we'll get through Treno and into Alexandria. Enjoy the podcast, and don't forget to become a part of our Patreon community if you have the means. Thanks for watching!

Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Gysahl Pickles Sponsorship (1:44)
3. Qu's Marsh (2:16)
4. Chocobo's Forest (32:31)
5. Gizmaluke's Grotto (51:26)
6. Burmecia (1:10:03)

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Marshland Munchies: Quina, What ARE You? | FF9 Analysis

We dive deep into the unforgettable finale of Final Fantasy IX. From Zidane and Garnet’s emotional reunion to Vivi’s poignant farewell. Join us as we unpack the themes, hidden details, and lasting impact of one of the most heartfelt endings in gaming history. Enjoy the podcast, and don't forget to become a part of our Patreon community if you have the means. Thanks for watching!

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Melodies of Life: How FFIX’s Ending Stays With You Forever | FF9 Analysis

We are joined by two wonderful gentlemen to talk yet MORE Final Fantasy IX in this special bonus episode.  @FinalFanTV  and  @GamingWithSpoons  bring the fire and expertise to what has been one of our favorite reviews ever. Enjoy the podcast, and don't forget to become a part of our Patreon community if you have the means. Thanks for watching!

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BONUS Final Fantasy IX Episode w/  @GamingWithSpoons  and  @FinalFanTV  | FF9 Analysis

Have you ever thought about making a video game? Well, today we sit down with the developers behind Quartet, Geo Mythica, Shrine's Legacy, and Kingdoms of the Dump to discuss the realities of indie game development! There's a lot of great advice here to consider before you try jumping into making your own game!

You can buy or wishlist these games here!

Quartet: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1307960/Quartet/
Geo Mythica: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1699030/Geo_Mythica/
Shrine's Legacy: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1435410/Shrines_Legacy/
Kingdoms of the Dump: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2159270/Kingdoms_of_the_Dump/

Should YOU Make A Video Game? | The Realities of Indie Game Development

Has there ever been a good remake? Why remake something that's already good? Obviou$ly there i$ a huge in¢entive to re-relea$e good $elling product$ again and again, but we're here to debate the artistic use or other incentives than purely the money aspect. What are more valid reasons to alter art decades after it's been placed into the arms of the public. Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and don't forget to support us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc)

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What Is The Point Of Remakes?

Final Fantasy 11 has an incredible soundtrack that has too often been overlooked. Mike and Casen learn from the great experts Greg Troyan and Velhart, who know Final Fantasy 11 like the back of their hand. We both came away from this podcast feeling very excited and positive about the prospect of playing this game again in the future. Hopefully you feel the same! Don't forget to support us on Patreon if you enjoy the content. Thank you!

Greg Troyan's Final Fantasy XI Story Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4yVf3uehjg 

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The Music of Final Fantasy XI | State of the Arc Podcast

Final Fantasy 12 has some devastatingly beautiful music, and only one single song on the entire soundtrack was written by Nobuo Uematsu. The rest was done by Hitoshi Sakimoto, with some additional contributions by Masaharu Iwata. While we all miss Nobuo Uematsu, Hitoshi Sakimoto absolutely nailed it on this soundtrack. It's incredible! Mike and Casen come out of this episode with an even higher opinion of this OST and a greater excitement to dive back into the game in the possibly near future....

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The Music of Final Fantasy XII | State of the Arc Podcast

Eternal Darkness deserves your attention this Halloween season. Why is this game not up there with Resident Evil and Silent Hill in terms of sequels and movies and the like? We get into how this masterpiece of a horror game found itself on the outside looking in. Thanks for watching, and don't forget to support us on Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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The Scariest Game You Never Played: Eternal Darkness | State Of The Arc Podcast

If you beat the game in all 3 routes, you get what is typically called the true ending of the game. Luckily, playing Eternal Darkness 3 times over is a treat, not a chore. Thanks for watching, and don't forget to support us on Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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Eternal Darkness Ep. 2: Is Free Will An Illusion? | State Of The Arc Podcast

In Episode 0 of our analysis of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, we discuss our approach to this analysis as well as the reason for a delay in uploading the first episode. This game is amazing AND YOU SHOULD PLAY IT OK! Thanks for watching, and don't forget to support us on Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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The Expedition 33 Analysis Is About To Begin... | State Of The Arc Podcast

With the release of Dragon Quest I & II HD 2D, I decided to try out all the previous versions of the game to compare. What I found is an endlessly charming little RPG that I have absolutely fallen in love with. While I've played many Dragon Quest games before (DQ5, DQ8, DQ9, and DQ11), it's the first game that has now made me a fan for life. What a fantastic game and what a great remake to introduce a new generation to this timeless classic!

Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. The History Of Dragon Quest Remakes (02:51)
3. Casen's Impressions Having Never Played The Original (06:00)
4. Setting The Right Expectations (13:12)
5. What Is The Mark Of A Successful Remake? (20:07)
6. Exploring Valid Criticisms Of This Remake. What Was Lost? (26:51)
7. In What Ways Is the Spirit Of The Original Retained? (52:38)
8. The Differences Between Versions (1:04:09)

I Don't Like Dragon Quest HD 2D... I LOVE IT! | State of the Arc Podcast

While Final Fantasy 13 is often praised for its graphics, it is the music that really elevates this game to a whole new level. The complexity and creativity on display here by Masashi Hamauzu make this soundtrack a spectacular treat for the ears. We spend more time going through this soundtrack than I think any other game yet. It is just so textured and dynamic and intriguing. Hope you enjoy! If you care to support us, here's a link to our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc

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The Music of Final Fantasy XIII | State of the Arc Podcast

JRPGs weren’t born where you think. We unpack the origins of the term, the genre, and the influences that defined it.

In this episode of State of the Arc, Mike and Casen begin a multi-episode deep dive into the history of JRPGs—where the genre came from, how it evolved, and why it took the shape it did. We’re joined by Pat Holleman, author of the Reverse Design series and director of the indie RPG Quartet, whose research into genre origins helps ground this discussion in real historical context. If you enjoy deep-dive game design analysis and want to support future episodes, consider joining our Patreon. Thank you for watching and listening.

Thanks to @patrickholleman9323 for joining us for this discussion!
Play Quartet: store.steampowered.com/app/1307960/Quartet/
Reverse Design Series: thegamedesignforum.com/books/books.html

Time Codes:
01. Intro (0:00)
02. The Coining Of The Term "JRPG" (1:30)
02. The Origins Of The "JRPG" (91:33)
03. The Codifying Of The "JRPG" (1:13:01)

The History Of JRPGs | Ep.1 | What Was The First JRPG? (Ft. Pat Holleman)

For the start of our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 analysis we take a slightly different tact than we have previously. Instead of doing Dev History first, we're just diving right into the game itself! Thanks for watching, and don't forget to support us on Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 [Ep.1] | State Of The Arc Podcast

In this episode, we go from the beach through the flying waters. We only got about halfway through Act I. For next week, finish Act I completely. Thanks for watching, and don't forget to support us on Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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When One Falls, We Continue | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 [Ep.2] | State Of The Arc Podcast

We talk everything up to the end of Act 1 today! We didn't actually get there in this episode but we still threw in a thing or two from that part. We meet Esquie and the Gestrals who are just a joy to be around. Thanks for watching, and don't forget to support us on Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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You'll Be Fine. Just Don't Die. | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 [Ep.3] | State Of The Arc Podcast

We meet the man from the beach again, and things go poorly for the party. Act I ends and Act 2 begins without much hope. But we do meet a new character named Verso. The party has to regroup and move forward despite having even less chance than ever of completing their task. Thanks for watching, and don't forget to support us on Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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"Why... Why Are You Doing This?" | Expedition 33 [Ep.4] | State Of The Arc Podcast

Act 2 kicks off with a quest for the heart of the paintress. We meet Monocco and get to have a lot more fun before a very dark and unfortunate ending. We're glad you can join us as we discuss this roller coaster of emotions. Thanks for watching, and don't forget to support us on Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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The Heart Of The Paintress | Expedition 33 [Ep.5] | State Of The Arc Podcast

We play through the end of Act 2 and stop right at the very beginning of Act 3. This is where much of the games mystery is revealed and we can finally talk more openly about what's been going on in this game the whole time. We fight the Paintress and discover her secrets. Thanks for watching, and don't forget to support us on Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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The Paintress And The Monolith | Expedition 33 [Ep.6] | State Of The Arc Podcast

What if we're all in The Matrix....? Are we in a simulation? How is the word "simulation" best defined? Thanks for watching, and don't forget to support us on Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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Are We In A Simulation? Matrix Analysis | State Of The Arc Podcast

For this episode, we decided to go back through all of the breadcrumbs left by the storytellers throughout acts 1 and 2. Don't watch this episode if you have not yet gotten to the very start of act 3. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is such a blast to play! Thanks for watching, and don't forget to support us on Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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The Long Trail Of Breadcrumbs | Expedition 33 [Ep.7] | State Of The Arc Podcast

If there is no spoon, then what's to keep you from bending it with your mind? Or is it you that bends instead? Here is part 2 of our analysis of That Matrix! Will Neo save the planet? Find out in not this movie but the ones after but this movie is still awesome! Thanks for watching, and don't forget to support us on Patreon~ https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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There Is No Spoon | The Matrix Analysis (Ep2) | State Of The Arc Podcast

We got to play the demo of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined and absolutely loved it! But then, of course, we got curious about the original DQ7 game and so Casen started playing it and.... Wow. These games are quite different. If you are new to the series or a seasoned veteran of all things Dragon Quest, we'd love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on this new reimagined version of the game? If you enjoy deep-dive game design analysis and want to support future episodes, consider joining our Patreon. Thank you for watching and listening. 

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Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Thoughts | State Of The Arc Podcast

Another week, another quote from a Final Fantasy developer that made people on X mad. We give our take on what Hamaguchi actually said, then take a look at an AI-slop Zelda trailer and talk about Dragon Quest's 40th anniversary!

Time Codes
01. Intro (0:00)
02. FF7R Director Made The Internet Mad Again (1:11)
03. AI Slop Zelda Trailer (24:16)
04. Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary (1:01:20)

FF7R Director Pissed Off The Internet... AGAIN! | State of the Arc Podcast

Meta cut several studios and fired over a thousand people who were working on Virtual Reality and now we're wondering if VR will EVER catch on. What are the biggest obstacles to VR finally catching on, or will it just never be something the majority of people feel comfortable with? Join us and Keith Comito of Lifespan.io to discuss THE FUTURE. Thanks for watching and support us on Patreon if you like what we do! https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc 

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01. Intro (0:00)
02. Is VR In Trouble? (1:15)
03. Is The Gaming Industry In Trouble? (33:07)

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Is VR Dead? W/ Keith Comito | State of the Arc Podcast

I always felt like I was born in the wrong time. I grew up on science fiction-- Star Trek, Star Gate, Star Wars--but I knew I would never live in a world where I could actually sit in the cockpit of a spaceship and travel to other planets. Now I've come as close as I ever will! After finally diving into VR, with games like No Man’s Sky, Elite Dangerous, Resident Evil 4, and Half-Life: Alyx, I had a moment that genuinely surprised me. It felt like the fulfillment of something I’d been waiting for since I was a kid.

In this episode of State of the Arc, we talk about:

-Why VR feels fundamentally different from traditional gaming
-The immersion factor that’s hard to explain unless you’ve tried it
-The recent Meta layoffs and what they might mean for the future of VR
-The real barriers to entry (cost, motion sickness, comfort, and adoption)
-Whether VR is a gimmick or the future

If you’ve ever wondered whether VR is worth it or if it’s just hype, this is our honest experience after finally putting the headset on.

Time Codes:
01. Intro (0:00)
02. Is The Future Of VR In Trouble? (3:20)
03. Barriers To Entry & What I Wanted From VR (12:34)
04. The Moment I Was Convinced VR Is Dope AF (22:16)
05. Using Glasses & Accessories Cost (28:46)
06. Do You Have To Upgrade Headsets To Play New Games? (32:49)
07. Any JRPGs In VR? (37:24)
08. Half-Life: Alyx Is An Absolute Must Play (41:28)
09. Casen's Unique Problems In VR (48:00)
10. Some of Hat's Favorite VR Games (50:58)
11. You Can Play With A Traditional Controller As Well As Flat Screen Games (56:13) 

I Waited 30 Years For This Gaming Experience | State of the Arc Podcast

The way you critique games says far more about your thinking, your communication, and even your relationships than you might realize.

In this episode, we break down what good criticism actually looks like, why so many people approach it the wrong way, and how learning to critique art properly can genuinely improve your life. From heated online debates to everyday conversations, the skills behind thoughtful criticism are the same skills that help you communicate clearly, avoid pointless arguments, and build healthier relationships.

We explore:
How to critique games (and any art) without falling into bad‑faith arguments
Why people confuse emotional reactions with actual analysis
The difference between “I didn’t like it” and “It’s bad”
How poor critique habits spill into your real life
How better critical thinking makes you a better partner, friend, and creator
Why learning to argue well is a life skill, not just a gaming skill
How to approach art with curiosity instead of defensiveness
Why improving your critique skills helps you understand yourself

If you’ve ever wondered why game discussions get so heated, or how to break out of the cycle of bad takes, misunderstandings, and unproductive arguments, this episode gives you the tools to level up your thinking in games and in life.

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You’re Doing Game Criticism Wrong, And It’s Destroying Your Life | State of the Arc Podcast

If Chrono Trigger doesn't need a remake, is there any value in remaking it anyways? What if it does need a remake? Does a remake of Chrono Trigger have anything to offer newer audiences? Or is the whole "new audiences" shtick a gimmick to turn all our conversations about a beloved game into discussions on the merits and demerits of the remake itself (as has happened to many other games that are reintroduced in this manner). Or should these studios stop trying to rewrite the past and get back to making new games?

In this episode, we discuss how a remake could impact future generations, for better or for worse. There is the possibility that a remake of Chrono Trigger will have much to offer even older fans of the original game. 

Here's the straw poll for voting on which remake to cover first: https://strawpoll.com/Dwyo3MDM0yA

Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Chrono Trigger Remake (1:06)

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Chrono Triggered: Remake or Mistake? | State of the Arc Podcast

For those interested in attending the Sakimoto concert in London, you can learn more and buy tickets here: https://www.fairfield.co.uk/events/lmp-the-colours-of-harmony-2026

What do many JRPG's understand about faith that churches often miss? Here are the ways that JRPGs preach faith more effectively (especially for young people) than churches. This is one where Mike and Casen find common ground amidst general disagreement on the topic. Come to see the riveting conclusion of this important discussion! 

Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Come Meet Me At The Hitoshi Sakimoto Concert! (0:52)
3. Today's Main Topic (2:50)

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Do JRPG's Do Faith Better Than Church? | State of the Arc Podcast

Monster Hunter Stories 3 surprised us!

What looked at first like a smaller Monster Hunter spinoff turned out to be one of the most engaging JRPG experiences we’ve had so far this year. From its layered turn-based combat to its monster ecology systems and mythic symbolism embedded in its world, there is far more going on here than we anticipated.

In this video, we break down why Monster Hunter Stories 3 works, what makes its combat so satisfying, and why its world and story feel deeper than they first appear.

This discussion stays mostly spoiler-light and focuses on the game’s opening regions and core systems.

If you’ve played it, let us know what you think.

#MonsterHunterStories3 #JRPG #MonsterHunter #GameReview #Capcom

Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Background On The Monster Hunter Series (1:20)
3. Story And Symbolism (3:25)
4. Gameplay (12:13)
5. Conclusions (22:25)

Monster Hunter Stories 3 Is Way Better Than I Expected | State Of The Arc Podcast

Our podcast breaks down the techniques of great storytelling across our favorite games, movies, literature, and music. I also occasionally upload music I've arranged or composed!

Resonant Arc

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