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 13, 2024 • 1h 8min
Nightmares Exist Outside Of Logic | Alan Wake Analysis: (Ep.2) | State of the Arc Podcast
Alan Wake, a renowned crime novelist from New York City, delves into his haunting battle with writer's block and encounters in the eerie town of Bright Falls. He explores the jarring contrast of light and dark as he navigates a surreal nightmare, focusing on themes of creativity and emotional turmoil. The conversation also touches on fascinating folklore, particularly the symbolism of Baba Yaga, and innovative narrative structures that echo the complexities of storytelling. Tensions rise as personal relationships intertwine with fantastical challenges, offering a deep reflection on artistic struggles.

Nov 11, 2024 • 2h 4min
The TOP 10 Games of ALL TIME | State of the Arc Podcast
Do you want to know what the top ten games of all time are? I think it's time to settle this once and for all. Mike and Casen go head to head in all out war as they try to settle this age old question once and for all. The rules are simple. For each match-up, from #10 to #1, the points get higher and higher. The winner of the #10 spot gets 1 point, while the winner of the #1 spot gets 10 points. Who's list will win the day? Casen's or Mike's? YOU DECIDE!
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Honorable Mentions (2:57)
3. #10 (7:33)
4. #9 (17:15)
5. #8 (24:17)
6. #7 (33:53)
7. #6 (44:10)
8. #5 (53:01)
9. #4 (1:01:43)
10. #3 (1:13:10)
11. #2 (1:29:42)
12. #1 (1:45:13)
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**Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ
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Nov 10, 2024 • 9min
Apologies And Correcting The Record
This is just a quick message in response to a great conversation I had over the phone with Zakogdo. I wanted to correct the record in some areas where he felt we misrepresented him and let you guys know where the future of this conversation lies on our channel.

Nov 4, 2024 • 3h 19min
Alexander O. Smith Returns to Discuss Localization | State of the Arc Podcast
Alexander O. Smith returns to talk game translation and localization. What words did he sneak into every Final Fantasy game that he translated? How would he have tackled current controversial translations? All this and more are discussed in this exciting episode of the Resonant Arc Podcast.
Alexander's Instagram account: http://www.instagram.com/aokajiya/
The "Shogun" breakdown Alexander mentioned from Hiroko Yoda: https://blog.hirokoyoda.com/p/jidaigeki-made-in-usa
**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
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Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 14min
How Alan Wake Was Created | Alan Wake Analysis: (Ep.1) | State of the Arc Podcast
In today's episode, we begin our deep dive into Alan Wake, a 2010 action-thriller game from Remedy Entertainment. In this first episode, we'll tell the story of the game's development, getting into the creators' headspace and setting up the themes and deeper meaning the game will explore. Join us!

Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 35min
Afflicted By A Hero | Dune: Part Two Analysis | State of the Arc Podcast
Disclaimer for this episode:
It has come to my attention since recording this episode (months ago) that there is some controversy surrounding the discussion of Paul Atreides as a "hero" among fans of the series. There are many who reject the idea that Frank Herbert's intention was misunderstood, as I state at the beginning of the video. I hope people watching this who are suspicious that I am going down the "Paul is actually the villain" route will give my take a chance. We set up how Villuneuve views this, as well as Frank Herbert's son Brian, and many people oppose those interpretations. All of that aside, I hope you give my take on this movie a chance, because I DON'T believe Paul is the "villain" of the story. I simply believe he is a human being, and human beings are complicated. I had a deeply emotional experience with this film, one that draws on a lot of my most raw personal experiences, and that is what I refer to when I make my analysis of this film. I hope it will be of some merit in this discussion.
-Mike
In today's episode, we're covering Dune: Part Two, Denis Villeneuve's follow-up to the 2021 epic sci-fi film. This time, we get the second half of the adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel and the conclusion to the story. In the film version, Villeneuve focuses on the danger of messianic figures and shows how heroic, charismatic leaders manipulate the beliefs of passionate people to achieve their own aims, for better or worse.

Oct 27, 2024 • 2h 11min
Have Translators Gone TOO FAR? | State of the Arc Podcast
How far is too far? If a translator tries to use common phrases and manners of speaking in the target language but does so at the expense of the source language's intention, who is to blame? We conducted an interview with Zakogdo over text and asked him some of these exact questions. Zakogdo is someone who talks about the localization of Japanese games on X and has gotten lots of traction this year by critiquing the translations of games like Unicorn Overlord and Eiyuden Chronicle. The interview was conducted over text, and we sought to find places of agreement and understanding.
Find Zakogdo here: x.com/zakogdo
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Why Are We Doing This? (1:22)
3. How Did Zakogdo Learn Japanese? (20:00)
4. What Are Our Blindspots In This Conversation? (23:45)
5. How Have We Misrepresented You? (48:15)
6. What Points Have We Made That You Would Like To Rebut? (1:18:20)
7. What Does A Successful Translation Look Like To You? (1:44:10)
8. What Do You Think Is The Solution To All Of This? (1:52:15)
**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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Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 56min
Dreams Are Messages From The Deep | Dune: Part One Analysis | State of the Arc Podcast
Today, we'll be analyzing Dune: Part One, the 2021 film adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic 1965 novel. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, renowned director of Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, and Sicario, this movie tells roughly the first half of the story. It is filmed to the brim with great filmmaking to break down and is without question one of our favorite films of the last five years.

Oct 17, 2024 • 1h 17min
The Perfect Remake? | Silent Hill 2 w/ Max Derrat | State of the Arc Podcast
Silent Hill 2 Remake has delivered a new experience to fans of the original while taking great care to maintain the spirit of the original and the result is something that comes as close to perfection as I've ever seen. They threaded the needle perfectly and even improved the experience in many ways. Max Derrat drops by to talk all things Silent Hill 2 Remake.
Subscribe to Max Derrat: https://www.youtube.com/@maxderrat @maxderrat
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Max Derrat (1:14)
3. SPOILERS! (7:37)
4. Characters (19:19)
5. Jung and Alchemy (59:18)
**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
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Oct 15, 2024 • 9min
Localization Controversy | Representing The Other Side Of The Debate
Localization Controversy | Representing The Other Side Of The Debate by Resonant Arc


