State of the Arc Podcast

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

2026-01-1944:28

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 **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 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

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

2026-01-1401:46:13

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 **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 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

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

2026-01-0701:46:06

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 **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 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

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

2025-12-3102:21:01

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 **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 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

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

2025-12-2601:44:02

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 **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 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

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

2025-12-1701:05:40

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 **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 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

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

2025-12-1001:47:58

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 **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 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

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

2025-12-0302:05:39

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 **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 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

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

2025-11-2601:28:38

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 **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 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

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

2025-11-1701:30:55

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 Music of Final Fantasy XIII | State of the Arc Podcast

2025-11-1001:56:25

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 **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 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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

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

2025-11-0501:27:25

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)

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

2025-11-0303:25

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 **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 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

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

2025-10-3102:24:19

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 **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 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

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

2025-10-2701:17:05

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 **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 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

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

2025-10-2201:30:11

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.... **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 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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

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

2025-10-1502:03:16

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 **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 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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

What Is The Point Of Remakes?

2025-10-0801:42:31

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) **Listen 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 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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc

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

2025-10-0501:47:51

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/

NEW Final Fantasy Tactics: Ivalice Chronicles Review #sponsored

2025-09-3031:161

Check out Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles! Available now for Nintendo Switch 2™, Nintendo Switch™, PS5®, PS4®, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and Steam Deck. https://ffc.click/FFT_ResonantArc #sponsored We loved playing this new version of Final Fantasy Tactics over the past few weeks and would like to share our thoughts about it with you. We hope you enjoy the video and consider making the purchase. **Listen 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 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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resonantarc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resonantarc0:00)

Comments (2)

Sean M. Harlan

found these guys on YouTube! started watching their xenogears series and then found them here! really in depth with story and also really articulate with their reasonings and sentences in general. great podcast give it a listen!

Jan 19th

Sergio Durán

if you like videogames you will like this podcast, if you like JRPGs you will love it, I love it to the core

Mar 12th

#box-pro-ellipsis-176938960143613{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}State of the Arc Podcast

Sean M. Harlan

Sergio Durán