

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

Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 21min
Let The Hunt Begin! The Glory of Lindblum | FF9 Analysis
Lindblum is the coolest city in all of Final Fantasy. Not only is the world building perfectly executed here, the facing of the story is perfect as well. It's difficult to imagine how this stretch in Final Fantasy IX could have been done better. From Freya and Regent Cid's introduction, through the Festival of the Hunt and up to Garnet's stunning exit from the city, this entire sequence is a thrilling ride from beginning to end. 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. Entry into Lindblum (2:58)
3. Meeting Regent Cid (22:13)
4. Exploring the city (35:48)
5. The festival of The Hunt (59:32)
6. Awards and feasting (13:21)
**Listen On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3
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Jun 30, 2025 • 14min
So, about that Final Fantasy retrospective series...
Huge thanks to all of our patrons who support us through thick and thin! You make what we do possible! You can support us on Patreon, or Subscribe Star. Thank you!!
Now for the big question... what has become of the Final Fantasy retrospective series on this channel? As well as the bigger question, what will become of the Final Fantasy retrospective series?
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**Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ
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Jun 25, 2025 • 39min
How Death Stranding Changed Me Forever | My Journey Through Solitude
Death Stranding is one of the most unusual and unique games I've ever played. It flies in the face of conventions and stretches itself out into the real world in some unexpected ways. But, as with most of Hideo Kojima's games, it has a charm that is irresistible. Please consider supporting us on Patreon if you have the means. Thanks for watching! 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
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Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 23min
A Chilling Discovery: Vivi Enters The Void | FF9 Analysis
From the edge of the Petrified Forest to the dramatic entry into Lindblum, this is one of the most exciting stretches of Final Fantasy IX. The most notable moment in this stretch is when Vivi discovers the dark secret beneath Dali. What would you do? What would you think? Would you think at all? Can you think if you are not? If you don't exist? All this and more will be tackled in the next hour and 23 minutes. Enjoy! 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. Japanese readings for the portraits (0:41)
3. The Petrified Forest (8:58)
4. Ice Cavern (37:55)
5. Dali (48:13)
6. Airship to Lindblum (1:06:28)
**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
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Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 16min
Adventure, Intrigue, and a Stolen Princess | FF9 Analysis (Ep.2)
The way that the intro to this game is framed by a theatrical performance is absolutely brilliant. Once again, Sakaguchi displays his prowess in the drafting of yet another beautiful and captivating introductory sequence that holds our attention and immerses us into a new and exciting world in Final Fantasy IX. We discuss the beginning of this game all the way up until the ship crashes into the Evil Forest. For next week, play up to the arrival into Lindblum.
Developers playing the game and commenting on the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r05g9m4DBv0
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Star Screen Movie (0:45)
3. The Logo (4:06)
4. The Opening Song (8:04)
5. Character Introductions (9:34)
6. Intro Cinematic (12:04)
7. Tantalus (15:30)
8. Dialogue Boxes (18:29)
9. First Fight (24:16)
10. The Writing (26:21)
11. The Strategy Guide (31:50)
12. Pre-Rendered Backgrounds (37:49)
13. The Cinematics (42:27)
14. Vivi (44:29)
15. Steiner (47:48)
16. Sakaguchi Is Brilliant At Intros (50:51)
17. Action Timed Mini-games (1:01:50)
18. Illusion Vs. Reality (1:04:01)
19. The Games Design (1:06:46)
20. Shakespeare in Final Fantasy (1:12:33)
21. Crashing Into The Evil Forest (1:13:39)
**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
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Jun 8, 2025 • 1h 25min
How Final Fantasy IX Closed a Golden Age | FF9 Analysis (Ep.1) | Ft. Final Fantasy Union
In this engaging discussion, Daryll from Final Fantasy Union, a creative force behind the channel focused on Final Fantasy history, joins to dissect the development of Final Fantasy IX. They dive into the creative conflicts that shaped the game's direction, contrasting its theatrical presentation with earlier titles. Daryll shares insights into the game's American influence and unique aesthetic choices. The conversation reveals how personal experiences and collaborative creativity shaped the game’s enduring legacy, resonating deeply with fans and new players alike.

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 36min
The Music Of Final Fantasy X w/ Final Fantasy Union
Final Fantasy 10 has some of the best music in video games. Nobuo Uematsu was aided by Masashi Hamauzu and Junya Nakano to craft this truly special soundtrack. Much like this podcast was aided by Daryl from Final Fantasy Union! Don't forget to support us on Patreon if you enjoy the content. Thank you!
**We're Now On Spotify**: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gIzzvT3AfRHjGlfF8kFW3
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**Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837
**Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ
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May 25, 2025 • 22min
26 Years Later Suikoden II Hits Harder Than Ever
In its opening moments, Suikoden II plunges you into a war-torn world where childhood friendships are shattered and impossible choices must be made. Underscored by Miki Higashino’s masterful soundtrack, it promises a journey filled with heartbreak, betrayal, and a desperate struggle for peace.
This isn’t just another retro RPG — it’s a deeply personal tale about the cost of conflict, the bonds that define us, and the tragic paths we walk in the name of power. Suikoden II’s emotional weight and unforgettable characters have cemented its place in the rich history of the PlayStation library. Today, we dive into what makes this classic resonate so deeply, even 26 years later.
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May 21, 2025 • 2h 49min
Kubrick’s Mind-Bending Masterpiece, Explained 2001 A Space Odyssey State of the Arc Podcast
Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey isn’t just a sci-fi classic—it’s a cinematic milestone that changed the language of film. In this video, we break down the film’s mysterious symbolism, groundbreaking visuals, and philosophical questions about evolution, technology, and humanity’s place in the universe.
Whether you’re a film buff, a philosophy nerd, or a JRPG fan who spotted the Xenogears influence a mile away, this deep dive is for you!

May 19, 2025 • 23min
Suikoden HD Remaster Review | Worth Playing In 2025?
In March, the long-awaited remaster of Suikoden 1 & 2 was released, and Casen and I have decided to dive into these classic games to give our thoughts on the quality of the remaster and reviews of the games themselves. We're covering Suikoden 1 this week, and next week, we'll get into Suikoden 2!
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