The Book of Mudora

Continuing their project to replay every Zelda game for the series’ 40th anniversary, Cameron and Monica discuss A Link to the Past.

We discuss Final Fantasy X-2.5 ~Eien no Daishō~, a novella sequel to Final Fantasy X-2, and Final Fantasy X -Will-, a 30-minute audio drama sequel to the novella. Both were released in 2013 in association with the HD remasters of FFX and FFX-2. These sequels are poorly received by most fans, but we quite like them!

We discuss Final Fantasy X-2: Last Mission, the roguelike bonus campaign included in Final Fantasy X-2 International that serves as an epilogue to the main game. In Last Mission, Yuna, Rikku, and Paine have substantive conversations with each other.

We play through Chapters 4 and 5 of Final Fantasy X-2, which leaves us with mixed feelings as we complete the main game.

We play through Chapter 3 of Final Fantasy X-2, where we lose patience with the game’s disjointed and shallow storytelling.

We play through Chapter 2 of Final Fantasy X-2, which highlights that the tertiary characters of Spira are not that compelling.

We play through Chapter 1 of Final Fantasy X-2, which leaves us with an enthusiasm for the game's style.

We discuss Final Fantasy X: Eternal Calm, a 15-minute bonus cutscene that served as an epilogue to Final Fantasy X International, and was later framed as the prologue to Final Fantasy X-2.

Continuing their project to replay every Zelda game for the series’ 40th anniversary, Cameron and Monica discuss Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.

We discuss episodes 21-25 of Final Fantasy Unlimited, in which Earl Tyrant enters a new state of being.

We discuss episodes 16-20 of Final Fantasy Unlimited, in which the fate of the Hayakawa parents is finally revealed.

We discuss episodes 11-15 of Final Fantasy Unlimited, in which a train is replaced by a submarine.

We discuss episodes 6-10 of Final Fantasy Unlimited, in which new worlds and characters are revealed to little enthusiasm, until a surprisingly good 10th episode.

We discuss episodes 1-5 of Final Fantasy Unlimited, studio Gonzo’s 2001 anime series that got cut short due to Square’s financial difficulties. These episodes present Final Fantasy as a series about children journeying through a surreal world, with a reliable formula for every episode.

As part of their project to replay every Zelda game for the series’ 40th anniversary, Cameron and Monica discuss The Hyrule Fantasy: The Legend of Zelda.

We clear our backlog of emails regarding all the Zelda and Final Fantasy games we’ve currently played! Some topics we discuss include the prevalence of borderless spaces in Termina, the role of blue people in FFIX, and a defense of “Link is Dead” theory.

We play Chapter 5 and 6 of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Along the way, we discuss the sparsity of Ganondorf, the new tension between the elemental forces of Sacred Power and Gloom, and the impressive achievement of a retelling of Ocarina of Time with less moral complexity.

We play Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment through Chapter 3 and 4. Along the way, we discuss the homogeneity of combat strategy, the extreme politeness between characters, and the violence of Rauru's Hyrule.

We play Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment through Chapter 1 and 2. Along the way, we discuss Nintendo's sudden concern for canon, their ongoing concern with racist stereotypes, and how it doesn't end the world to give Zelda a sword.

We answer both Zelda and Final Fantasy emails! Some topics we discuss include a potential fate of Sonia and Rauru’s possible child, Ellone’s ambiguous status as a sorceress, and the nuances of letting Zelda use the Sword.

We play Final Fantasy X to completion. Along the way, we discuss the importance of a grueling dungeon to the theme of hope and sorrow, the shocking fate of Zanarkand, and how Final Fantasy X does or does not change what it means to be a Final Fantasy game.

We play Final Fantasy X from the Zanarkand Ruins to just before the final battle against Sin. Along the way, we discuss the odd coldness between Tidus and Yuna, the clunky pacing of the second half of the game, and the dogged persistence of Final Fantasy III's themes.

We play Final Fantasy X from entering the Calm Lands to just before arriving at the Zanarkand Ruins. Along the way, we discuss the superfluous role of Kimahri, the value of a side quest, and Tidus' willingness to lie to Yuna.

We play Final Fantasy X from the first save point on an Airship to just before entering the Calm Lands. Along the way, we discuss the most romantic cutscene ever animated, some much more awkward cutscenes in Bevelle, and the disappointingly shallow portrayal of Yevon leadership.

We play Final Fantasy X from Macalania Woods to the first save point on an Airship. Along the way, we discuss the way characters talk around painful truths, what Tidus offers Yuna, and the odd pacing of cutscenes and dungeons.

We play Final Fantasy X from leaving the Djose Temple to arriving at Macalania Woods. Along the way, we discuss the new theme of romantic jealousy, the returning theme of racism, and FFX characters as reimaginings of FFVII characters.

We play Final Fantasy X from arriving at the Mi'ihen Highlands to completing the Djose Temple. Along the way, we discuss the journey-type structure of the game, the first appearance of an evil church in the series, and what it means for Yuna to smile.

We play Final Fantasy X from boarding the ship to leave Besaid to arriving at the Mi’ihen Highroad. Along the way, we discuss what makes romance writing good, the unusual relationship between Wakka and Lulu, and the narrative design of the Jecht Shot.

We play Final Fantasy X from the beginning to just before boarding the ship to leave Besaid. Along the way, we discuss behind-the-scenes production information, how FFX responds to 8 and 9, and the welcome return of untimed turn-based battles.

We catch up on a bunch of emails, mostly focused on Zelda but also a few Final Fantasy ones later in the episode. Some topics we discuss include a correction about Nabooru’s role in Ocarina of Time, the logistics of the Triforce in Breath of the Wild, and a history of bladed weapons.

We discuss the 2001 film Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Hironobu Sakaguchi’s big bet on photorealistic animation. The bet failed and permanently stained his career, but the movie is actually a fascinating summation of his vision of Final Fantasy. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not really a Final Fantasy movie!

Ahead of our full discussions on Age of Imprisonment and Crystal actually playing the game, Monica and Cameron discuss their initial impressions!

Kuja proves that all life will eventually choose destruction.

Zidane returns to the homeland that he forgot.

Vivi finally confronts Kuja for his crimes against all Black Mages.

Zidane deals with heartbreak by going to the Dark City to participate in the card game tournament.

Dagger confronts her mother at the Ancient Tree of Life.

Zidane's party travels to a continent with no mist, and learns the secret of the Black Mages.

The regent of Lindblum learns of Alexandria's weapon supplier, who comes from another continent.

The arcane armies of Alexandria launch an unprovoked attack on Cleyra.

The arcane armies of Alexandria launch an unprovoked attack on Burmecia.

Dagger, the disguised Princess of Alexandria, makes a long journey through the rural countryside to the Regency of Lindblum.

The Tantalus Theater Troupe arrives at Alexandria Castle to kidnap Princess Garnet.

Part 3 of the three mailbags after Final Fantasy VIII! We mostly focus on Zelda emails, discussing such subjects as the origin of the Cobble Kingdom, the relationship between Porky and Ganon, and Farore's variable elemental theming.

Part 2 of the three mailbags after Final Fantasy VIII! We respond to both Final Fantasy and Zelda questions, discussing such subjects as the possibility of a Squall-Rinoa breakup, the presence of the Chaoskampf motif in Zelda, and whether watching video game commercials is a better experience than actually playing the games.

Part 1 of the three mailbags after Final Fantasy VIII! We focus on Final Fantasy questions, discussing such subjects as characterization issues in FF8, the Shinra-Wutai War, and the limitations of stories that are about good guys vs bad guys.

All space and time compresses into a single beautiful moment.

The SeeDs meet the President of Esthar, and develop a plan to confront the Ultimate Sorceress.

The Sorceress' true plan is revealed as Rinoa and Squall cross time and space to stay together.

Sorceress Edea is confronted once and for all, and Rinoa and Squall take a long walk by the sea.