State of the Arc Podcast

Final Fantasy XV didn’t just have a troubled development; it was built on a foundation that would never work. Square Enix created Crystal Tools for Final Fantasy XIII, a highly linear game… and then tried to use that same technology to build an open-world project in Versus XIII. What followed was nearly a decade of delays, engine rewrites, and constant restructuring, until the original vision collapsed into something else entirely.

In this episode, we break down how management decisions, engine limitations, and shifting priorities turned one of the most anticipated Final Fantasy games into one of its most infamous development cycles.

Featuring insights from @TheNightSkyPrince, watch his video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGKS0q7wl08

Info about the Hitoshi Sakimoto concert in London: https://www.fairfield.co.uk/events/lmp-the-colours-of-harmony-2026

Monster Hunter Stories 3 surprised us!

What looked at first like a smaller Monster Hunter spinoff turned out to be one of the most engaging JRPG experiences we’ve had so far this year. From its layered turn-based combat to its monster ecology systems and mythic symbolism embedded in its world, there is far more going on here than we anticipated.

In this video, we break down why Monster Hunter Stories 3 works, what makes its combat so satisfying, and why its world and story feel deeper than they first appear.

This discussion stays mostly spoiler-light and focuses on the game’s opening regions and core systems.

If you’ve played it, let us know what you think.

#MonsterHunterStories3 #JRPG #MonsterHunter #GameReview #Capcom

Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Background On The Monster Hunter Series (1:20)
3. Story And Symbolism (3:25)
4. Gameplay (12:13)
5. Conclusions (22:25)

For those interested in attending the Sakimoto concert in London, you can learn more and buy tickets here: https://www.fairfield.co.uk/events/lmp-the-colours-of-harmony-2026

What do many JRPG's understand about faith that churches often miss? Here are the ways that JRPGs preach faith more effectively (especially for young people) than churches. This is one where Mike and Casen find common ground amidst general disagreement on the topic. Come to see the riveting conclusion of this important discussion!

Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Come Meet Me At The Hitoshi Sakimoto Concert! (0:52)
3. Today's Main Topic (2:50)

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If Chrono Trigger doesn't need a remake, is there any value in remaking it anyways? What if it does need a remake? Does a remake of Chrono Trigger have anything to offer newer audiences? Or is the whole "new audiences" shtick a gimmick to turn all our conversations about a beloved game into discussions on the merits and demerits of the remake itself (as has happened to many other games that are reintroduced in this manner). Or should these studios stop trying to rewrite the past and get back to making new games?

In this episode, we discuss how a remake could impact future generations, for better or for worse. There is the possibility that a remake of Chrono Trigger will have much to offer even older fans of the original game.

Here's the straw poll for voting on which remake to cover first: https://strawpoll.com/Dwyo3MDM0yA

Time Codes:
1. Intro (0:00)
2. Chrono Trigger Remake (1:06)

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The way you critique games says far more about your thinking, your communication, and even your relationships than you might realize.

In this episode, we break down what good criticism actually looks like, why so many people approach it the wrong way, and how learning to critique art properly can genuinely improve your life. From heated online debates to everyday conversations, the skills behind thoughtful criticism are the same skills that help you communicate clearly, avoid pointless arguments, and build healthier relationships.

We explore:
How to critique games (and any art) without falling into bad‑faith arguments
Why people confuse emotional reactions with actual analysis
The difference between “I didn’t like it” and “It’s bad”
How poor critique habits spill into your real life
How better critical thinking makes you a better partner, friend, and creator
Why learning to argue well is a life skill, not just a gaming skill
How to approach art with curiosity instead of defensiveness
Why improving your critique skills helps you understand yourself

If you’ve ever wondered why game discussions get so heated, or how to break out of the cycle of bad takes, misunderstandings, and unproductive arguments, this episode gives you the tools to level up your thinking in games and in life.

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