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

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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May 13, 2025 • 2h 22min
Dark Gaia | Terranigma Analysis (Finale) | State of the Arc Podcast
Today we reach the end of our playthrough of Terranigma. We hope you've enjoyed this series as much as we've enjoyed talking about it. Thank you for watching and supporting the channel!
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May 12, 2025 • 20min
The Hidden Meaning Behind Tidus' Cringey Laugh
Tidus laugh has been the subject of intense debate within the Final Fantasy X community. Some love it, others hate it. Clarity on the scene proper has been provided by the directors of the game and also the translators and localizers. However, a new discover is going to overturn the tables and recast the entire scene in a whole new light. Please consider supporting us on Patreon if you have the means. Thanks for watching!
The owarai shinji, or laughing ritual: https://youtu.be/oHLoDHtK__A
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May 7, 2025 • 55min
Expedition 33 Story Discussion | State of the Arc Podcast
Apologies to those expecting a Terranigma episode, but we really wanted to talk more about Expedition 33 this week! This is an extended version of the conversation we had on Monday in our final review about the ending and the central themes of the game. It is possible that we'll do a full series on this game at some point. Let us know if you'd like to see that!

May 5, 2025 • 26min
Expedition 33: Our Final Verdict After 100 Hours
After 100 hours, I can confidently say that Expedition 33 is one of my favorite games. The story is deeply human, the combat is incredibly fun long-term, and the world is absolutely beautiful. In this review, we'll explain how this game puts itself in the lead for one of the best games of 2025.

Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 42min
Resurrection Of The Genius | Terranigma Analysis (Ep.4) | State of the Arc Podcast
The resurrection of the genius is chapter 3 of Terranigma. Genius can mean several things, and we go with more of the old Greek reading of that word. Chapter 3 is the longest and most fun chapter of the game. Also, a heads up, Casen's jaw was giving him all sorts of trouble so if he's stretching it out a lot, mercilessly tease him in the comments. Leave a comment and support us on Patreon if you enjoy this content. Thank you!
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Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 42min
The Incredible History Of Nintendo W/ Acquired | State of the Arc Podcast
David from the Acquired podcast joins us to talk about the fascinating, mysterious and incredible history of Nintendo. From selling concrete, to cards, to toys, and ultimately video game systems, Nintendo has left an intriguing trail behind them. Thanks for watching this episode on the history of Nintendo! Please consider supporting us on Patreon if you have the means. Thanks for watching!
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Apr 23, 2025 • 28min
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Review | The Best RPG In 20 Years?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 came out of nowhere and has left us completely stunned. This game has just changed the industry for the better. This review has NO SPOILERS, but tons of footage! As a disclaimer, we have not yet finished it. Mike is around 20 hours in and Casen is around 35 hours in. But wow, this game is absolutely worth playing. Please consider supporting us on Patreon if you have the means. Thanks for watching!
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**Listen On iTunes**: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/state-of-the-arc-podcast/id1121795837
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