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Everything Is Final Fantasy

by Drew Creasman

Brothers Ira and Drew Creasman dive DEEP into every game in the Final Fantasy multiverse, focusing on themes, philosophies, social commentaries, and characters as well as music, art, and gameplay.We are here to celebrate and discuss, not be cynical or hate.NOTE: There IS material that could be considered political.

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Episodes

  1. Ponyo: Accepting Your Children

    On this episode we dive into more metaphors from Ponyo from Studio Ghibli. How one key scene reminds us that parents aren't here to control their kids. How growing up, self-discovery, even coming out as LGBTQ requires bravery from the child and understanding from the parent. #studioghibli

  2. Ponyo: A Love Story Between Children

    On this episode we continue the story of Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, continuing to evaluate the magical realism of the world, environmental themes, and accurate portrayals of parenting. Plus, what are the appropriate parameters for telling what is essentially a love story between two children?

  3. The Unique Magical Realism of Ponyo

    As we dive into the story of Ponyo (on the Cliff by the Sea) we wonder about its unique use of magical realism. Plenty of our favorite fantasy stories are "weird" in many ways but Ponyo feels like the rules of its entire world work like the rules that kids make up when they play.

  4. Ponyo: An Introduction

    We spend nearly an hour and a half setting up our conversation about Ponyo, a silly kids movie where a boy falls in love with a fish! But is it so simple? Let's dive into some themes, chat about why my son LOVES this movie, and break down the insanely deep superstar cast.

  5. Phoenix Downbeat: Home, Sweet, Home & Dear Friends (FFV)

    We dive into a pair of iconic Final Fantasy pieces of music from FFV - Home, Sweet, Home & Dear Friends from FFV. How does Nobuo Uematsu use relatively simple techniques to evoke such deep emotion and nostalgia? And what do these folk tunes gain and/or lose when translated for large orchestras or...

  6. Final Fantasy IX: Dark City Treno

    We continue with FFIX including a battle we totally forgot about, a reunion with Tantalus, a visit to Dark City Treno and more inner-monologuing especially from Dagger and Steiner. (Apologies for the rough audio on this one, the issue should be fixed in the future)

  7. Phoenix Downbeat #36: FFXI Suite

    We listen to and analyze six pieces of music from Final Fantasy XI. With all of us having limited experience with the game itself, we pull primarily from Distant Worlds and New Worlds albums and think on the nature of medieval or renaissance music. Xenogears, Final Fantasy VIII, and FFVII Rebirth...

  8. Phoenix Downbeat #35: WEIRD MUSIC

    We listen to some weird, cooky, odd, strange, silly, and spacey music from the first nine Final Fantasy games. What makes a piece of music weird? What storytelling techniques does Nobuo Uematsu use to upset expectations? And how cool is it when the strange music gets beautiful? #finalfantasy...

  9. Phoenix Downbeat #34: Distant Worlds

    We discuss the history of Final Fantasy music live in concert, most especially the long-running Distant Worlds series. Then we listen to an analyze the song Distant Worlds from Final Fantasy XI in four different variations. Plus, some cherished memories of going to see, and of performing, live...

  10. Phoenix Downbeat #32: Battle Themes I-VI

    We listen to and analyze the primary battle themes from Final Fantasy I-VI. Distant Worlds, Black Mages, and Pixel Remasters all get involved in the conversation as we dive deep into what makes Nobuo Uematsu battle music so compelling.

  11. Phoenix Downbeat #33: Chrono Battle Themes

    We listen to and analyze the battle themes from Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, and Super Mario RPG. Then each of us brings two other non-Final Fantasy pieces of battle music to discuss including one of the most famous pieces of video game music ever written.

  12. Phoenix Downbeat #31: Dancing Mad

    We listen to and analyze Dancing Mad, the masterpiece final boss battle music from Final Fantasy VI. What techniques does Nobuo Uematsu use to invoke Bach fugues and which are more akin to classic rock like Emerson, Lake, & Palmer? How does it so expertly give voice to the villain, the ruined...

  13. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind: The Ancient Warrior

    Nausicaa must race from the toxic jungle back to the Valley of the Wind to tell everyone what she has learned but once again the forces of industry and violence and power get in her way.

  14. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind: The Pejitei Pilot

    Nausicaa saves and meets the Pejitei Pilot who seems to think he is the hero of this story. He wonders about her as she discovers a deep truth about the world.

  15. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind: The Toxic Jungle

    Our hero crosses the threshold into the toxic jungle and fully embraces her mantras of non-violence. Plus, we witness a strangely beautiful vision.

  16. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind: Complicated Pacifism

    This Studio Ghibli classic carries a powerful message of non-violence but it is also a complicated question when our hero is moved to take a life.

  17. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind: An Introduction

    We continue our series on Studio Ghibli & Hayao Miyazaki with an introduction to and examination of the first few minutes of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind; a true masterpiece.

  18. Phoenix Downbeat #30: Battle Themes | FFVII, Tactics

    We listen to an analyze some truly iconic Final Fantasy battle themes from FFVII and Tactics. We begin with Trisection and the oddly titled Run Past Through the Plain before diving into the monster that is Let the Battles Begin, including its Remake and Rebirth.

  19. Phoenix Downbeat #29: Battle Themes X | IX | VIII

    We listen to and analyze the battle themes from Final Fantasy X, IX, and VIII. How does Nobuo Uematsu use those unmistakable rhythms and clever instrumentation to create the perfect battle music? How does the FFX piece mirror the pacing of the battle system? Do the modern instruments in FFIX fit?...

  20. Phoenix Downbeat #28: Battle Music | XVI | XV | XIII

    We listen to and analyze three different Final Fantasy battle music pieces from three different composers. Working backwards in time, we start with Masayoshi Soken's composition for FFXVI then Yoko Shimomura's FFXV battle theme. We wrap up with Masashi Hamauzu battle music for FFXIII. Plus, some...

  21. Phoenix Downbeat #27: Crystal Chronicles

    We take a detour from the main series to discuss the OST for Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles. A pair of folks songs steal our hearts, bagpipes and kazoos give our heroes hope, and we experience the joys and sorrows of caravaning with your friends to save the world.

  22. Castle of Cagliostro: Vigilantes vs. Rogue Cops

    We conclude our conversation on Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro and get into why we have so much more sympathy for the vigilante hero than the rogue cop.

  23. Castle of Cagliostro: A Caper Within A Caper

    We continue with Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro as our hero shows himself to be as much MacGyver as he is James Bond. Also, we respond to critiques of Clarisse as a "damsel in distress."

  24. Castle of Cagliostro: Lupin III & Clarisse

    We continue with Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro as our hero meets Clarisse, receives a mysterious ring, and embarks upon the adventure of sneaking into the castle for its many rewards.

  25. Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro, An Introduction

    We begin with Hayao Miyazaki's directorial debut in Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro. We break down the "gentleman thief" trope, invite family to ask a few big questions, then have just enough time to watch the beautiful intro.

  26. Phoenix Downbeat #26: Spooky Forests

    From the Phantom Forest of Final Fantasy 6 to the Forested Temple of FF7 to the EVIL Forest of Final Fantasy 9, we listen to and discuss SPOOKY forest music. We had to include a classic Chrono Trigger piece here plus three mystery songs from outside the Final Fantasy/Square Enix family. What did…

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  27. Final Fantasy IX: Beatrix & Kuja

    We begin in the Chocobo Forest, make our way through Gizamaluke's Grotto and witness what has befallen Burmecia. Then we get absolutely iconic introductions to General Beatrix and a mysterious man named Kuja.

  28. Final Fantasy Tournament: We pick our favorite FFs!

    We break down the Final Fantasy Tourney and give thoughts on everything from Mystic Quest and Chocobo Dungeon to FF7 vs. FF10 and how well FF16 did!

  29. Phoenix Downbeat #25: Battle on the Big Bridge

    We listen to and dissect Battle on the Big Bridge, a masterpiece that first appeared in Final Fantasy V. How much awesomeness can be packed into just over two minutes of music? Why is it so compelling? Why has it stood the test of time? And what are some of our favorite alternate versions?

  30. Phoenix Downbeat #24: Relaxing Smorgasbord (Chill Music of Final Fantasy)

    We listen to and discuss over TWENTY pieces of relaxing music from Final Fantasy games 1-12. What makes a piece of music relaxing to you? Which of these Final Fantasy chillout songs is your favorite?

  31. Phoenix Downbeat: Final Fantasy Pop Songs, Part 1

    We listen to Eyes on Me (FF8) Melodies of Life (FF9) and Suteki da Ne (FF10) as Final Fantasy makes a foray into pop music. Why choose to add lyrical songs to the series? What is the impact and legacy of these pieces? And why are they so beautiful and emotional to listen to?

  32. Phoenix Downbeat #22: Octopath Traveler Challenge

    Ryan issues a challenge! Ira and Drew, who have never played Octopath Traveler or hear the OST, listen to the 8 main character themes and try to guess which characters they belong to. Come play along with us, record your own score, and see just how bad we did.

  33. Nerdy Tourney Finale: Star Wars vs. Final Fantasy

    Star Wars won the Sci Fi bracket joining a Final Four that also featured Spider-Man, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Final Fantasy.

  34. Phoenix Downbeat #21: Final Fantasy & Chill

    We listen to some relaxing, study, sleepy-time chill vibes music from Final Fantasy (and Chrono Cross!) Alongside plenty of bonus pieces we focus in on Fisherman's Horizon of FFVIII, Daguerreo of FFIX, and Behind Closed Doors of FFXIV. What mystery songs did we choose? How many of these are on…

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  35. Nerdy Tourney: Sci Fi Bracket Round One

    It was an absolutely brutal first round in the Sci Fi bracket as we say goodbye to Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park, Battlestar Galactica, Metroid, The Matrix, Resident Evil, Twilight Zone, and Mortal Kombat.

  36. Final Fantasy IX: The Festival of the Hunt

    We explore Lindblum, Steiner and Dagger practice their lying, we ponder the meaning of a mysterious song, participate in the Festival of the Hunt, and head out to the Qu Marsh to find Quina!

  37. Phoenix Downbeat #20: One-Winged Angel

    We dive into maybe the most famous piece of Final Fantasy music ever, One-Winged Angel of FFVII. How far has its cultural impact grown? What genre is it truly in? How is it not a total mess given its structure and composition style? And how come its so... AWESOME?

  38. Phoenix Downbeat #19: Grab Bag Q&A

    We answer your questions about Final Fantasy music! We compare, contrast, and take some requests! Listening to music from FFV, FFVI, FFVII, FFVIII, and FFIX! Plus, some from Mario 64 & Marvel vs. Capcom.

  39. Nerdy Tourney Animation: ATLA vs. FMA

    Avatar: The Last Airbender faced off against Fullmetal Alchemist in a finale that truly surprised us. The conversation around the animation bracket was phenomenal and provided several excellent recommendations!

  40. Phoenix Downbeat #18: Chrono Trigger Music

    Ryan guides us through analysis of one of the greatest video game soundtracks of all time, Chrono Trigger by Yasunori Mitsuda. We listen deeply to the Main Theme, Corridors of Time, & To Far Away Times! Plus, this time each of us brings two (for a total of six!) mystery pieces of music to discuss.

  41. Nerdy Tourney, Animation: Mario, Pokemon, TMNT emerge

    We are getting down to it as Mario and Sonic are on a collision course, Pokemon is set to take on Fullmetal Alchemist, Avatar: The Last Airbender will face Cowboy Bebop and TMNT vs. Adventure Time.

  42. Phoenix Downbeat #17: Ascension (FFXVI)

    We listen in to a modern Final Fantasy masterpiece, Ascension from FFXVI composed by Masayoshi Soken. Let us hear the tale of his majesty, Prince of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, and the King of Dragons himself, Dion Lesage, Dominant of Bahamut.

  43. Nerdy Tourney Animation Round 1

    We dive into Mario, Pokémon, He-Man/She-Ra, Gundam, Evangelion, Power Rangers, and the enduring popularity of Fullmetal Alchemist and the Animaniacs.

  44. Final Fantasy I-IX: An LGBTQ+ History

    The LGBTQ+ representation in the first 9 Final Fantasy games might be a bit subtler but it is nonetheless important. We take a look at some of the earliest characters to diversify the Final Fantasy cast and challenge some social norms, especially back in the 90s.

  45. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind: Complicated Pacifism

    This Studio Ghibli classic carries a powerful message of non-violence but it is also a complicated question when our hero is moved to take a life.

  46. Phoenix Downbeat: Final Fantasy Marches

    Ryan guides us through some history of marches, including classic John Philip Sousa. We then listen to Rufus Welcoming Ceremony from FF7, The Rebel Army from FF2, & The Red Wings from FF4. Plus, we dive into three mystery marches from across the Final Fantasy multiverse!

  47. Nerdy Tourney: Superhero Bracket Final

    It came down to a couple of icons from Marvel and DC in a Final Four that featured Batman, Spider-Man, X-Men and Deadpool. Here's how it all went down.

  48. Nerdy Tourney: Superhero Bracket Round 1

    Batman, the X-Men, and Spider-Man are early frontrunners while Darkwing Duck makes it CLOSE against Guardians of the Galaxy. Also, I implore more people to watch/read Preacher, Umbrella Academy, and The Crow.

  49. Nerdy Tourney: Fantasy Bracket Finals

    In a surprise to no one, Final Fantasy took this bracket of the Nerdy Tourney but Lord of the Rings and Zelda stood strong while The Witcher managed to narrowly defeat A Song of Ice and Fire.

  50. Nerdy Tourney: Lord of the Rings, Final Fantasy, Zelda emerge

    Discworld beat Wheel of Time, The Witcher dispatched of Narnia, Magic The Gathering loses to Castlevania while D&D and ASOIAF win again. Lord of the Rings and Final Fantasy set for the Finals?

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Brothers Ira and Drew Creasman dive DEEP into every game in the Final Fantasy multiverse, focusing on themes, philosophies, social commentaries, and characters as well as music, art, and gameplay.We are here to celebrate and discuss, not be cynical or hate.NOTE: There IS material that could be considered political.

HOSTED BY

Drew Creasman

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Everything Is Final Fantasy have?

Everything Is Final Fantasy currently has 230 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Everything Is Final Fantasy about?

Brothers Ira and Drew Creasman dive DEEP into every game in the Final Fantasy multiverse, focusing on themes, philosophies, social commentaries, and characters as well as music, art, and gameplay.We are here to celebrate and discuss, not be cynical or hate.NOTE: There IS material that could be...

How often does Everything Is Final Fantasy release new episodes?

Everything Is Final Fantasy publishes regularly with 230 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Everything Is Final Fantasy?

You can listen to Everything Is Final Fantasy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Everything Is Final Fantasy?

Everything Is Final Fantasy is created and hosted by Drew Creasman.
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