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 18, 2023 • 1h 20min
That We May Purge The Night | Final Fantasy XVI Analysis (Ep.5) | State of the Arc Podcast
It has been 5 years since that day. The day we first destroyed a Mothercrystal and the day that Cid gave his life for his cause. Now, there is a new Cid. However, though 5 years have passed, this new Cid doesn't seem much further along in his goal of freeing the bearers than he was before. In fact, things seem worse than ever. We play all the way up to the smiting of the Black Shields, casting their ruin upon the lands of Rosaria. Leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Thanks for watching!
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Comments (2:17)
3. 5-Year Time Skip (33:38)
4. New Hideaway (48:48)
5. The Black Shields (1:00:39)

Jul 11, 2023 • 1h 52min
An Opportunity For Growth And Change | Final Fantasy XVI Analysis (Ep.4) | State of the Arc Podcast
Now that he has pressed L3 + R3 and finally accepted the truth, Clive is now free to strive for a better purpose, but first, he needs a plan. Clive, Cid, and Jill decide to break into the Mothercrystal at Drakes Head. In doing so, they all quickly realize that saving the planet isn't going to be as easy as they previously believed.
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. At Last, You Accept the Truth (3:59)
3. Co-Stabbing a Crystal (18:19)
4. The Dame (38:35)
5. Breaking Into Drake's Head (1:06:53)
6. Typhon (1:18:28)
7. Joshua Returns (1:30:03)

Jul 5, 2023 • 1h 29min
Confronting The Shadow | Final Fantasy XVI Analysis (Ep.3) | State of the Arc Podcast
“This thing of darkness I acknowledge mine.” -William Shakespeare
In today's episode, Clive must face the darkness he has suppressed for 13 years and press R3 and L3 to accept the truth.
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Bahamut and Odin (1:30)
3. The Wages of Guilt (7:25)
4. Jill Wakes Up (17:14)
5. Martha's Rest (22:50)
6. Eastpool (47:15)
7. Return to Phoenix Gate (1:05:31)
8. Confronting the Shadow (1:09:47)

Jun 27, 2023 • 1h 45min
Awaken...Child Of Fate! | Final Fantasy XVI Analysis (Ep.2) | State of the Arc Podcast
It's time to jump into the full game! Today we're playing up through the next major Eikon battle against Garuda. There's lots to dive into here, with Clive being reunited with Jill, references to the Fallen, the mysterious dominant of fire Clive saw at Phoenix Gate being captured by Waloed, and Cid's little community of outcasts!
Time Codes:
1. Intro and Corrections (0:00)
2. Reunine with Jill (5:30)
3. Cid's Hideaway (24:31)
4. The Greatwood (53:44)
5. Caer Norvent (1:04:58)
6. Fighting Benedikta (1:12:57)

Jun 20, 2023 • 1h 33min
NieR Automata Analysis(FINALE): NieR Replicant And Closing Thoughts | State Of The Arc Podcast
Now we have to look at how this game connects to Nier Replicant and Gestalt, as well as give some more commentary on how the game has affected our lives in general. This was an amazing experience and I hope you all enjoyed it! If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast!

Jun 20, 2023 • 1h 49min
A Song Of Eikons And Fire | Final Fantasy XVI Analysis (Ep.1) | State of the Arc Podcast
Final Fantasy XVI is finally here! Today we're beginning our podcast series analyzing the story of the game. This time, we'll be talking up through the end of the Phoenix Gate sequence, which was all in the demo released last week, but next time we'll move into the content of the full game! Hope everyone enjoys the discussion, and feel free to play along with us!
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Opening Narration (3:51)
3. Phoenix vs Ifrit Part 1 (11:38)
4. The Nysa Defile (15:51)
5. Rosalith (39:15)
6. Elwin and Anabella (1:11:11)
7. Clive and Jill (1:14:37)
8. Leaving Rosalith and Stillwind Marsh (1:17:41)
9. Phoenix Gate (1:20:29)

Jun 13, 2023 • 2h 24min
NieR Automata Analysis (Ep.8): The [E]nd | State Of The Arc Podcast
We finish up endings C, D and E! If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast!
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. 9S Wakes Up (18:26)
3. Devola and Popola SPOILERS (1:13:56)
4. In the Tower (1:22:06)
5. A2 and 9S Endings (1:44:32)
6. Ending E (2:09:09)

Jun 7, 2023 • 1h 56min
NieR Automata Analysis (Ep.7): Pascal's Greatest Fear | State Of The Arc Podcast
We're going to get to know A2 a lot better and see a very different side of 9S. This is where the game really picks up. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast!

May 30, 2023 • 1h 10min
NieR Automata Analysis (Ep.6): My Yoke Of Iron | State Of The Arc Podcast
We're back! This is the best episode yet on NieR Automata. We finish the B play through here and unravel even more of the story. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy this episode of the State of the Arc Podcast!

May 23, 2023 • 1h 38min
NieR Automata Analysis (Ep.5) The Sorrow Of Simone State Of The Arc Podcast
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the philosophical themes in NieR Automata, delve into the mythologies of the robots and backstories of the characters, and have a lengthy discussion on Simone DeBeauvoir's The Second Sex. They explore topics like the concept of brotherhood, unconscious hacking, honorifics, transcendence, thunderstorms and volcanoes in pagan societies, naming conventions, gender roles, motherhood's impact on women's careers, nature vs. nurture in play, and consuming cultures and obsessions.


