State of the Arc Podcast
Resonant Arc
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 27min
I Don't Like Dragon Quest HD 2D... I LOVE IT! | 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)

Nov 3, 2025 • 22min
The Expedition 33 Analysis Is About To Begin... | 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
**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

Oct 31, 2025 • 2h 24min
Eternal Darkness Ep. 2: Is Free Will An Illusion? | 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
**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

Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 17min
The Scariest Game You Never Played: Eternal Darkness | 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
**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

Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 30min
The Music of Final Fantasy XII | 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....
**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

Oct 15, 2025 • 2h 3min
The Music of Final Fantasy XI | State of the Arc Podcast
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
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Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 43min
What Is The Point Of Remakes?
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

Oct 5, 2025 • 1h 48min
Should YOU Make A Video Game? | The Realities of Indie Game Development
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/

Sep 30, 2025 • 31min
NEW Final Fantasy Tactics: Ivalice Chronicles Review #sponsored
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)

Sep 22, 2025 • 18min
Expedition 33 Defeats Xenoblade! | + 7 Indie Games You HAVE To Play!
The votes are in! Expedition 33 has defeated Xenoblade Chronicles in a VERY close vote. We'll be covering E33 next as a long-form podcast series! Additionally, I have seven excellent indie titles that you should check out! You definitely want to take a look at these; don't miss out on them!
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. E33 Wins The Vote! (1:10)
3. Next Week's Podcast Episode Topic (2:28)
4. Quartet (3:44)
5. Geo Mythica (5:13)
6. Kingdoms of the Dump (7:08)
7. Shrine's Legacy (8:4)
8. Sacrifire (10:32)
9. Replaced (12:00)
10. Lost Hellden (13:52)
11. Outro (16:52)


