State of the Arc Podcast

TJtheEmperor joins us again to analyze the very ending of Xenosaga. We are also joined by Keith, who has some great insights and real-world connections. The game is over, and we are finally getting some answers. However, we also got a ton more questions. So the question-to-answer ratio is still very unfavorable. From Proto Merkabah to KOS MOS getting her angel wings, we get to experience the ending of this amazing experience. Thanks for joining us! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Proto Merkabah (2:54) 3. Fight With Albedo (35:09) 4. It's Gonna Blow! (54:07)

The Japanese version of Xenosaga differs greatly from the American version at precisely this point in the game. There is some very unsettling imagery used in the Japanese version that was passed over in the American version. Once we get to the Song of Nephilim, we begin to understand Albedo in a way that somehow leaves us with more questions than answers. Classic Takahashi. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Gnosis Attack (1:21) 3. Momo and Albedo (27:27) 4. Shion and Jr. Go to Song of Nephilim (54:35) 5. Virgil Returns (1:19:10)

In today's episode, we explore the Hotlands and continually confront Metatron with Alphys support, meet up with Sans at the MTT Resort, and make our way through New Home for the final confrontation with Asgore.

This portion of the game is jaw-dropping. We have been waiting for these moments, and they do not disappoint. This, right here, is why we play Xeno games. The depth and the source material are just too captivating. We cover Nietzsche's Death of God hypothesis, Jung's collective unconscious, and ancient ideas on what a god, angel, or demon really is. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Dr. Mizrahi Reciting The Bible (0:36) 3. The Church (12:01) 4. Inside The Door (28:55) 5. The Death Of God(54:10) 6. You Are Not Yet Ready (1:25:49)

In this very exciting episode, we see the game's true depth. After a brief prison break sequence, we dive into the encephalon of KOS-MOS. Her mind consists of others' memories as well as her own experiences and thoughts. It's a real trip but made this part of the game the most exciting one yet! Time Codes: 1. Housekeeping (0:00) 2. Kukai Foundation Raided (8:41) 3. Prison Escape (21:12) 4. Encephalon Dive (36:39) 5. Shion's Side (57:10) 6. Jr.'s Side (1:14:18)

Turns out, the game is all about alchemy, and it's starting to show. We go over several alchemical concepts that are beautifully illustrated within the game as we move toward the 3rd act of the game. We spend a lot of time with Jr., hear a fantastic fairy tale from the brothers Grimm, and even go sunbathing at a nice space beach! Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Jr. Meets the Crew (00:26) 3. Marienkind (10:02) 4. Arrival of the Durandal (39:36) 5. To The Beach (1:03:00) 6. More Mysteries (1:19:21)

In today's episode, we explore the Waterfall area, where we are constantly hounded by the lauded knight Undyne. We also meet a new character, Dr. Alyphs, once reaching her mysterious lab. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Undyne Arc (2:22) 3. Intro To Hotlands and Dr. Alyphs Arc (39:21)

In today's episode, we meet Jr. and his crew, follow the Elsa as it docks with a deep space colony, and learn about Cherenkov's dark and mysterious past. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Shion Gives Ziggy and MOMO a Tour (1:44) 3. Introduction To Jr. and His Crew (3:39) 4. Margulis' Scheming (11:10) 5. Ambush For Jr., Space Battle, Boarding The Enemy Ship (29:41) 6. The Dock Colony (49:15) 7. Cherenkov's Struggles and Shion's Premonition (1:00:50) 8. Turbulence In Hyperspace (1:04:15) 9. Cherenkov's Past and The Cathedral Ship (1:08:03) 10. Cherenkov Transforms Into A Gnosis (1:31:32) 11. KOS-MOS' Secret Weapon (1:52:10)

In today's episode, we have a fantastic hyperspace battle, paths coincide, and we learn a bit more about the most mysterious characters in the game. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Back Aboard the Woglinde (0:45) 3. KOS MOS Sleeping (17:24) 4. Ziggy and Momo Escape (33:28) 5. Hyperspace Battle (50:16) 6. Special Q&A Session (1:04:15)

In today's episode, we meet the crew of the Elsa, including an exceptionally mysterious young man named chaos. We're also introduced to Ziggurat 8, who goes on a mission to rescue a 100-Series Observational Relian girl named Momo. Time Codes: 1. Intro (0:00) 2. Clarifications and corrections from last week (2:52) 3. The Elsa and introduction to Matthews' crew (12:10) 4. Shion's comlink with KOS-MOS and introduction to chaos (22:09) 5. Chaos Kills a Gnosis (38:23) 6. Introduction to Wilhelm (44:40) 7. Margulis and Pellegri (48:55) 8. Ziggurat 8 and S.O.C.E. (53:37) 9. MOMO and Margulis (1:10:16) 10. Ziggy's Infiltration (1:12:07)