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 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.

May 17, 2023 • 1h 44min
NieR Automata Analysis (Ep.4): Flowers For M[A]chines | State Of The Arc Podcast
Discussion includes analysis of ending A, leaders in the machine network, exploring an old shopping center, the hollowness of robot existence, symbolism of garments, the thrill of living on the edge, exploring symbolism and speculating on roles, character progression and network disruption, connection between spirit and body, complexity of language and hidden intentions, exploring the death cult machine colony, and Flowers for Algernon theme.

May 9, 2023 • 1h 23min
NieR Automata Analysis (Ep.3): The Alien's Fate | State Of The Arc Podcast
In this episode, the hosts discuss their progress in NieR Automata, encounter human-like machines in an amusement park, and engage in a boss fight with hacking sequences. They explore philosophical references in the game, reflect on the importance of philosophy and finding balance, and discuss the concept of forging one's own destiny. The episode ends with the discovery of aliens underground and a shift in the mission focus.

May 3, 2023 • 1h 43min
NieR Automata Analysis (Ep.2) This Cannot Continue State Of The Arc Podcast
In this episode of the podcast, the hosts dive into the deep game NieR: Automata. They discuss the theme of death, with 2B wanting to kill god, and explore what death means for androids. They also analyze the opening line and start screen of the game, discuss missions and characters, and explore the dialogue between robots and human characters. The concept of loss of memories and identity, the symbolism behind the 'Glory to Mankind' salute, and the effects of detachment on perception are also explored. Power dynamics, mission mysteries, and the concept of upkeep in the game are discussed as well. Additionally, the hosts delve into encountering machines in the desert, the Ship of Theseus problem, and the concept of sacrifice.

Apr 26, 2023 • 1h 37min
NieR Automata Analysis (Ep.1) Dev History State Of The Arc Podcast
Welcome to the State of the Arc Podcast! Today we're discussing NieR Automata, a philosophical and introspective game that is actually really fun to play. In this episode, we talk about how the game was made, and what needed to come together in order for it to happen. This is an amazing game and one that seems to marry gameplay with story in a unique way. We talk about Yoko Taro, Yosuke Saito, Keiichi Okabe, Akihiko Yoshida, and of course, philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Sartre, Nietzsche, Pascal, and many others. If you like the podcast, please leave a like and a comment letting us know. Thank you, and please enjoy!

Apr 19, 2023 • 1h 50min
Final Fantasy VI Analysis (FINALE): A Very Fond Farewell | State Of The Arc Podcast
Wow, what a game! We have even more triangle talk to share with you, as well as what much of the symbolism at the end of this game is trying to tell us. We had to record a bit later in the week to cover everything, but hopefully, everyone will have gotten their fill of Final Fantasy VI through this podcast. There is so much to analyze and too much missable content, but in the end, I think we gave FF6 our best and are very eager to hear what else you noticed that we didn't bring up in the comment section. Thank you for watching! This is one of our favorite games of all time. Next week we'll be playing Nier Automata. As always, please like and comment to let YouTube know that these videos are appreciated so they can eventually be shared with other fans of RPGs. Until next week!
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Ancient Temple (8:27)
3. Hidon (15:02)
4. Kefka’s Tower (21:37)
5. Kefka (27:26)
6. Escape (58:28)
7. Ending and Theme (1:34:51)

Apr 11, 2023 • 1h 16min
Final Fantasy VI Analysis (Ep.9) Locked Away State Of The Arc Podcast
As Celes continues her quest to gather her lost friends--scattered across the four corners of the world--she begins to gain hope and strength. The party grows even larger as we find a few new friends. In this episode, we gather up all the cast and get ready for our final showdown with Kefka.
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Crumbs (1:07)
3. Cyan (6:40)
4. Gau (17:05)
5. Terra (25:50)
6. Relm (45:00)
7. Shadow (49:20)
8. Locke (1:01:00)

Apr 5, 2023 • 1h 5min
Final Fantasy VI Analysis (Ep.8): Searching For Friends | State Of The Arc Podcast
In the wake of Kefka's worldwide destruction, Celes awakes on a solitary island where she was cared for by Cid for a full year while in a coma. Now she must pick up the pieces of the broken world stretching out before her and bring a last ray of hope to its demoralized population. First, however, she'll need to overcome her own overwhelming despair.
Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Solitary Island (2:26)
3. Recruiting Sabin (20:20)
4. "Gerad" (29:33)
5. Setzer and Daryl's Tomb (36:33)
6. Recruiting Cyan (54:12)
7. Recruiting Gau (57:59)

Apr 1, 2023 • 1h 39min
Quest 64 Analysis (Ep.1): The N64's RPG Masterpiece | State of the Arc Podcast
Today we have a special episode for you! We're doing a deep dive on the N64's RPG masterpiece, Quest 64! There's a lot about this game's development history and profound story that most RPG fans don't know, so today we'll be diving in to show you how rich this is game truly is!


