State of the Arc Podcast

It's E3 2026! Here's What We Can't Wait To Play 10.06.2026 1Std. 9Min.

E3 didn't go away, it still lives on in our hearts... and online thanks to all the Direct's and State of Play's and all that. Luckily all these things are coming out around the time E3 used to take place anyway, so we don't have to miss out on anything. In this episode, we give our thoughts on Final Fantasy VII: Revelation, Final Fantasy: Resonance, Persona 6, Lost Hellden, Threads of Time, Xenoblade: Genesis, Vivarium, Tales of Eternia, gen Atlas, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake and much more! Mike is currently in London awaiting the Hitoshi Sakimoto concert, so this episode was done remotely. Hope you all enjoy! What were your favorites? Hitoshi Sakimoto Concert Details: https://www.fairfield.co.uk/events/lmp-the-colours-of-harmony-2026 **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

Dragon Quest XII May Have Saved Itself By Going Backward (Ft. FinalFantasyUnion ) 03.06.2026 1Std. 27Min.

The Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary livestream has come and gone, and the reaction from fans has been... mixed. After years of silence, Square Enix finally reintroduced Dragon Quest XII, but the announcement raised lots of questions. Why was the game rebuilt from the ground up? What happened during development? Could starting over actually be the best thing that ever happened to the project? Joining me this week is Darryl from Final Fantasy Union as we discuss the Dragon Quest XII reveal, Square Enix's latest financial results, Capcom's remarkable resurgence, and the development philosophies that have separated Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy for nearly forty years. We also dive into the development history of Chrono Trigger, the legacy of Yuji Horii and Hironobu Sakaguchi, and why some classic RPGs continue to resonate with new generations of players decades after their release. Final Fantasy Union https://www.youtube.com/@FinalFantasyUnion Datalog https://www.youtube.com/@thedatalog Defenders of the Crystal Vol. 3 Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/finalfantasyunion/the-defenders-of-the-crystal-an-encyclopedia-of-jobs?ref=b0ixah Hitoshi Sakimoto 40th Anniversary Concert https://www.fairfield.co.uk/events/lmp-the-colours-of-harmony-2026 #DragonQuest #DragonQuestXII #JRPG #ChronoTrigger #FinalFantasy #SquareEnix #StateOfTheArc #ResonantArc Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Guest Introduction (1:25) 3. Hitoshi Sakimoto Concert | Meet Up With Us! (6:03) 4. Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary Livestream Reactions (14:03) 5. Square Enix Latest Financial Report (45:52) 6. Chrono Trigger Retrospective (59:29)

Top 10 Gateway JRPGs | State of the Arc Podcast 28.05.2026 1Std. 32Min.

What are the best RPGs for someone who has never played a JRPG before? Which games teach the foundations of the genre without overwhelming new players? And which games can genuinely turn a casual player into a lifelong fan? We break down why games like Chrono Trigger, Dragon Quest, Pokémon Yellow, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, Persona 5, Golden Sun, EarthBound, Suikoden II, Super Mario RPG, and Final Fantasy IV remain some of the most approachable and emotionally resonant entry points into the genre. Along the way, we talk about: Why turn-based combat is NOT outdated, the hidden brilliance of abstraction in classic JRPG design, why Pokémon “hacks into the childhood psyche”, how JRPGs teach players complex systems intuitively, why nostalgia is actually a good thing, and the games we’d introduce to our own children. Whether you’re trying to introduce a friend, spouse, or child to JRPGs for the first time, or you’re just reflecting on the games that shaped you, this was one of our favorite conversations in a long time. #JRPG #ChronoTrigger #FinalFantasy #Pokemon #Persona5 #EarthBound #Suikoden #GoldenSun #Nintendo #RetroGaming #VideoGames #ResonantArc Time Codes: 1. Introduction (0:00) 2. Chrono Trigger (4:09) 3. Dragon Quest (9:23) 4. Pokémon (19:19) 5. Ni No Kuni (31:30) 6. Persona 5 (43:00) 7. Golden Sun (50:05) 8. Earthbound (56:55) 9. Suikoden I & II (1:06:30) 10. Final Fantasy IV (1:17:43) 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

Announcement and Q+A 20.05.2026 1Std. 53Min.

We talk Chrono Trigger and the future scheduling for our channel. Then we answer questions from Patreon! Enjoy the podcast, and don't forget to become a part of our Patreon community if you have the means. Thanks for watching! **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

Breaking Down Personality Types for Iconic Final Fantasy Characters 13.05.2026 1Std. 26Min.

Ever wondered why Cloud feels like an anti‑hero, why Squall radiates lone‑wolf introvert energy, why Zidane is so charismatic, or why Tidus is secretly one of the most emotionally intelligent protagonists in the series? In this episode, we break down the real psychology behind your favorite Final Fantasy characters using: The Meyers-Briggs MBTI Color Code From FFVII, FFVIII, FFIX, and FFX, we analyze how each hero’s personality shapes their journey — and why these characters feel so alive decades later. We cover fan‑favorites like: Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, Sephiroth Squall, Rinoa, Quistis, Seifer Zidane, Garnet, Vivi, Steiner, Kuja Tidus, Yuna, Auron, Lulu, Wakka And we explore how their personality types influence: Their relationships Their growth arcs Their leadership styles Their mythic roles in the story Their emotional strengths and flaws If you’ve ever taken a personality test and thought, “Which Final Fantasy character am I actually closest to?” this episode is for you. Whether you’re a psychology nerd, a Final Fantasy fan, or both, this is one of our most fun deep‑dives yet. Enjoy the podcast, and don't forget to become a part of our Patreon community if you have the means. Thanks for watching! **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

The Mythical Hero's Journey in Final Fantasy IX w/ @overleveledgames 06.05.2026 2Std. 3Min.

We analyze the story and characters of Final Fantasy IX to pluck out the elements of the Hero's Journey as outlined by Joseph Campbell and Christopher Vogler. Joining me is Gavin from @overleveledgames . Enjoy the podcast, and don't forget to become a part of our Patreon community if you have the means. Thanks for watching! **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

The Inspiring Development of Expedition 33 [Ep.11] | State Of The Arc Podcast 04.05.2026 2Std. 25Min.

We discuss the wild and inspiring development history of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The development for this game took many wild turns, as the team learned and grew. After watching this, maybe you might want to see if you can't get a start on that game you've been wanting to make for years... I hope you enjoy! 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

Nobuo Uematsu's Farewell to Final Fantasy - The Music of Final Fantasy 14 1.0 Before Meteor 29.04.2026 1Std. 56Min.

We listen to the OST for Final Fantasy 14 1.0, Before Meteor. This soundtrack was primarily composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu, and was the final game in the Final Fantasy series that he composed for. In some ways, he shows everything he has learned on his long journey through so many Final Fantasy games, and also how he grew outside of video games in general, as a musician. This is the most unique soundtrack of his career, and we thoroughly enjoyed breaking it down and discussing it. 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 Massive Iceberg of Expedition 33 [Ep.10] | State Of The Arc Podcast 15.04.2026 1Std. 16Min.

We revisit the ending of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This time we take it as far as we can go. We focus on the philosophical justifications for each choice in the ending scenario. We discovered some surprising things, and come to a very similar conclusion in the end. I hope you enjoy! 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 Heartbreaking Ending of Expedition 33 [Ep.9] | State Of The Arc Podcast 08.04.2026 2Std. 42Min.

We finally make the choice. Which one, you ask? The right one, of course! Join us as we have a discussion with Dude McGuy and Keith Comito from www.lifespan.io . 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

Breaking Down The Music Of Final Fantasy Tactics | State of the Arc Podcast 06.04.2026 1Std. 13Min.

Final Fantasy Tactics doesn’t sound like a typical Final Fantasy game. That’s exactly why it works. In this episode, we break down the soundtrack of Final Fantasy Tactics, composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, and explore how its music reinforces the game’s darker tone, political narrative, and tactical gameplay. Instead of upbeat, heroic themes, Tactics leans into restraint; using repetition, pacing, and shifting musical movements to subtly influence how you think and play. From battle themes that manage player urgency, to leitmotifs that mirror character relationships, this is a soundtrack designed with purpose at every level. We also dive into: * Why Sakimoto’s original “Final Fantasy-style” music was rejected * How Yasumi Matsuno shaped the sound of the game * The role of leitmotif in storytelling (Alma, Delita, and beyond) * Why Tactics’ battle music never gets tiring—even after dozens of encounters * How the soundtrack blurs the line between game music and film scoring This is part of our ongoing “The Music of Final Fantasy” series. #FinalFantasy #FinalFantasyTactics #HitoshiSakimoto #VideoGameMusic #gameanalysis Hitoshi Sakimoto Concert Details: https://www.fairfield.co.uk/events/lmp-the-colours-of-harmony-2026 Timecodes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Hear FFT's Soundtrack Live In Concert! (0:45) 3. Background On How The Soundtrack Was Composed (3:46) 4. Breakdown Of Individual Songs/Tracks (16:18)

The Mask Begins To Slip | Expedition 33 [Ep.8] | State Of The Arc Podcast 01.04.2026 1Std. 46Min.

We play Act 3 in this episode, and stop JUST SHORT of the ending and the return to Lumiere. That being said, we talk about end of game spoilers here. SPOILERS, BEWARE! 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

What Really Happened To Final Fantasy vs XIII? | State of the Arc Podcast 26.03.2026 2Std. 11Min.

Final Fantasy XV didn’t just have a troubled development; it was built on a foundation that would never work. Square Enix created Crystal Tools for Final Fantasy XIII, a highly linear game… and then tried to use that same technology to build an open-world project in Versus XIII. What followed was nearly a decade of delays, engine rewrites, and constant restructuring, until the original vision collapsed into something else entirely. In this episode, we break down how management decisions, engine limitations, and shifting priorities turned one of the most anticipated Final Fantasy games into one of its most infamous development cycles. Featuring insights from @TheNightSkyPrince, watch his video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGKS0q7wl08 Info about the Hitoshi Sakimoto concert in London: https://www.fairfield.co.uk/events/lmp-the-colours-of-harmony-2026

Monster Hunter Stories 3 Is Way Better Than I Expected | State Of The Arc Podcast 19.03.2026 25Min.

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)

Do JRPG's Do Faith Better Than Church? | State of the Arc Podcast 10.03.2026 1Std. 13Min.

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) 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

Chrono Triggered: Remake or Mistake? | State of the Arc Podcast 03.03.2026 48Min.

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) 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

You’re Doing Game Criticism Wrong, And It’s Destroying Your Life | State of the Arc Podcast 23.02.2026 2Std. 13Min.

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. 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 Waited 30 Years For This Gaming Experience | State of the Arc Podcast 16.02.2026 1Std. 3Min.

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)

Is VR Dead? W/ Keith Comito | State of the Arc Podcast 09.02.2026 1Std. 33Min.

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

FF7R Director Pissed Off The Internet... AGAIN! | State of the Arc Podcast 02.02.2026 1Std. 17Min.

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)