Final Stop For Final Fantasy Talks: Recent Episodes
Final Stop For Final Fantasy Talks
Mark and Alex have been best buds for decades with a friendship originating around Final Fantasy. In the podcast they chat about the series offering tips, tricks, advice, and reminisce of the many playthroughs.
Mark and Alex progress through the Thunder Plains- an area plagued by consistent lightning strikes. We get a glimpse into Yuna's plans which include the decision to marry Seymour, but it appears she is hiding more than she's letting on. We also get one of the final pieces to Auron's dark secret.
Mark and Alex make their way through some pivotal parts of the story at Guadosalam(i). Seymour drops a bomb on Yuna with a question, and the crew check out the Farplane before heading out.
The boys are back to the story with completing the Djose Temple Cloister of Trials, and then continuing on to the Moonflow area. Yuna is kidnapped while traveling on the Shoopuff, and the party grows larger after Rikku makes another appearance and joins.
We are very excited to introduce the first episode of our Blitzball series! For this first installment we discuss why you would even want to play this "mini"-game, some basic strategy and concepts, and analyze a few of the Aurochs players.
Mark and Alex make progress through Operation Mi'ihen, the Crusader and Al Bhed attempt to defeat Sin which meets a terrible ending. With Sin (Jecht) proving a point to Tidus, that he must be stopped, the party continues their pilgrimage to Djose Temple.
Mark and Alex continue the story beginning with taking on the Chocobo Eater, a boss that has 3 unique outcomes. Afterward, the party continues through Mi'ihen to Mushroom Rock which is the staging area for the upcoming Crusader operation.
The boys survive the aftermath of the fiend attack after the Blitzball tournament, and find out some shocking information involving Tidus and Sin. The party then sets out in Mi'ihen Highroad to continue the pilgrimage and to discover the many things this area has to offer.
The boys are back! Mark and Alex continue their playthrough reaching Luca, the main hub of Blitzball and the second largest city in Spira. With Blitzball being the main focus, the boys offer tips and tricks to winning the tournament and save Yuna from a kidnapping.
Mark and Alex progress through Kilika Island stopping for treasures and boss battles along the way. Kimahri is introduced to the party as well as quite a few not-so-nice characters that the gang meets at the temple. The Luca Goers, a Blitzball team, are there to mock Wakka and the Aurochs as well as another summoner. Mastering Kilika's Cloister of Trials is an easy task, and it's now time to take the boat to Luca.
The guys progress the story through Besaid, fighting Kimahri and giant "birds" along the way, and begin their voyage to Luca. The crew needs to stop at Kilika first to pray at the temple but Sin intervenes along the way to cause more problems. After unsuccessfully deterring the beast, Sin proceeds to decimate Kilika and its citizens before Tidus and the others arrive.
The guys continue the story with Sin, apparently, chasing Tidus down and transporting him yet again to a new location. Besaid Island is a much more comfortable area though as Tidus is introduced to a new character, Wakka, who is a Blitzball team captain. Tidus also meets additional new characters including Yuna, the newly ordained summoner who seems very interested in Tidus's past.
Mark and Alex kick off the Final Fantasy X series by reminiscing about their first times playing the game, and with what to expect their new playthroughs to look like. Tidus is having a rough time after Sin attacks his home, Zanarkand, and seemingly transports him 1,ooo years into the future. Packed with initial boss battles and odd characters, the guys continue their usual tips and tricks in this brand new series!
Mark and Alex discuss their ratings of various elements of the game in their last Final Fantasy IX episode!
Mark and Alex finally make their way through the last of the side-content which includes cleaning up those pesky uber-boss(es)! With them out of the way, the guys continue through the Crystal World to confront Kuja once and for all, and even encounter an unexpected, greater threat thereafter. Having saved the world, the story finishes off with fantastic scenes, stories, and completes a full-circle of events with one of the greatest stories and games to ever have been created!
The guys finish their journey through Memoria, but pause before heading into the final area and final showdown against Kuja. The party is taken through the fantastic visuals Memoria has to offer, and Garland offers up information all along the way about the history between Terra and Gaia. The Nero family side-quest is also finished off and although the reward isn't the best in the game, the hilarious, short scenes are well worth this completely hidden gem.
Mark and Alex dive into Memoria and waste no time getting busy progressing through bosses and the area. There are plenty of hidden treasures, and phantoms, along the way which help kit the party out for some crazy battles surely to come. As previously mentioned, there are phantoms that hold some very rare cards making them perfect opponents for matches. The Nero side-quest is also in full-swing as the return visits to Lindblum continue to progress the quest-line, and allow us to meet the Nero family. Yes, there are more of them!
Mark and Alex have finally made it to the true "end-game" of Final Fantasy IX. Some of the side content covered includes getting to the bottom of Mognet, Chocobo's Paradise, the Excalibur quest, finding that surprise 13th Stellazio coin, and more. The party needs to find out what Kuja is up to, but not before doing and seeing plenty of side quests!
Mark and Alex make their way to confronting Garland in Pandemonium. Through a series of battles, Garland is defeated (also kicked off the edge) and Kuja is "defeated" as well, but is the perfect catalyst to drive him into a Trance. With this newfound power and knowledge of knowing his lifespan is about the end, Kuja goes wild and begins to destroy Terra. The gang escapes on the fantastic Invincible, and now faces a Gaia completely covered in Mist.
The guys discover Zidane's true purpose... that he is a manufactured tool of destruction, and "brother" to none other than Kuja. Luckily Zidane has such a strong will that he has rejected this purpose, and is set on turning against his creator. Garland also provides plenty of information that sums up many of the mysteries including what Mist is (stagnant souls), and that Terra is poised to "absorb" Gaia once enough souls have been collected. All that is left to do is put an end to Garland and disrupt his plans, but that is easier said than done.
Mark and Alex make their way to the four shrines, dropping off pairs of characters at each. Through the coordinated effort the guardians are defeated and the seal has broken, opening the gateway to the new world. Terra is quite the place, filled with alien-looking flora and fauna. There is also a mysterious visit by and "Old-looking Man" and a girl that has some of the same qualities as Zidane, and says some interesting statements to him...
Mark and Alex progress the story into Ipsen's Castle. There is a strange quirk in this area, being that strong weapons are less effective than each characters' starter weapon! After navigating the mirrored, upside down castle the party finds what they are looking for, the four mirrors. Once the defending boss is defeated, the crew decides it's time to track down the mirrors' corresponding areas on the map to deal with whatever they find.
The guys continue the story by finding out all the details about who Kuja is, what his plans are, and where he is going. He is clearly not of this world, but plans to find more information on how to gain enough power to the destroy Gaia at Ipsen's Castle. Before chasing him down, however, Mark and Alex clean up most of the loose ends concerning side quests. All Chocographs can now be found, and many of the end-game areas have opened up to explore.
Mark and Alex are, once again, in hot pursuit of Kuja on the Lost Continent. The chase takes the party to Esto Gaza, a seemingly sacred town that seems to be very peaceful. It's a short stay however, and the hunt continues into Mount Gulug. The dead volcano can be quite dangerous with some tough enemies, but Eiko is saved and Zorn & Thorn finally defeated for good. Hilda is also found at the bottom of Mount Gulug, and everyone returns to Lindblum where she agrees to change Cid back into a human.
Mark and Alex make their escape out of Kuja's secret lair, the Desert Palace. The name holds its own as it is filled with some pretty awesome structures, rooms, and decorations. All, unfortunately, designed to keep prisoners trapped inside. As the party makes their escape Eiko is kidnapped by none other than Zorn and Thorn, creating another issue. Kuja also makes his escape to the Hilde Garde Mk I, and heads to the Lost Continent with Zidane & co. following on the Blue Narciss ship.
The guys get back to tackling the story by heading to the Desert Palace, Kuja's secret lair. Of course, Kuja is waiting for the party and locks them into rooms with retractable floors that have lava underneath. He tasks Zidane and co. to track down the Gulug Stone from Oeilvert which is located on the last undiscovered continent, the Forgotten Continent. There are plenty of new treasures to be found and the next boss lies in wait, Ark.
Mark and Alex pause the story to take some time going through the massive amount of extra content that comes with the freedom provided by obtaining the Blue Narciss. Chocobo Hot & Cold plays a huge role in discovering new Chocographs, other hidden treasures, and the ability to visit/revisit locations for even more... you guessed it, treasure! Of course there is a slew of other things to do and places to visit before heading off to the Black Mage Village.
Things seemed to be improving until Kuja resurfaced and once again summoned Bahamut to cause mayhem in Alexandria. Alexander was summoned in its defense, but a new villain showed up to destroy the legendary Eidolon. Alexandria is now destroyed, and the gang is back in Lindblum recovering and deciding the next move of action. The guys go through the steps to unlock the hidden ATE, "Give Me My Money" and regroup to pursue Kuja. Cid needs to be human once again however, so the first course of action is to find his missing wife Hilde.
The guys hit up the nightlife at Treno for a second time, ensuring to discuss what you don't want to miss out on. They also get the full story on what happened in Amarant's past and what his issue is with Zidane. Back in Dali, the mayor is on vacation so time to hit the town to get the last of the coffee beans.
The guys finish off this round at Alexandria and the many things to do and see, as well as saying goodbye to (almost) Queen Garnet. Of course, the love letter scene has got to be one of the best in the game. If only Baku didn't sneeze... The episode ends with our feet getting wet in Treno and with how much there is to do here also, well, we needed to leave the rest for next time!
Mark and Alex are witness to some of the most awesome cinematic movies in game with the summon of Bahamut! Unfortunately, Queen Brahne's plan backfires and the Alexandrian fleet is decimated. Queen Brahne is fatally wounded leaving Dagger the only heir to take the crown. Returning to Alexandria, there are a plethora of things to do and see including mini-games and ATE's!
Mark and Alex dive into the Iifa Tree and the very interesting quirks that enemies, including the boss Soulcage, have that make this area incredibly easy. Dagger's past is also finally revealed with some huge puzzle pieces filled in. Lastly, the party picks up a new character, Amarant, who wants to follow Zidane to discover the source of his strength.
The boys take their first look at Madain Sari and phew, it's in rough condition. Home of the summoners, Eiko seems to be the last standing one. Luckily her hospitality is in full-swing and she invites everyone, or maybe just Zidane, to a delicious home cooked meal. Knowing that Kuja headed for the Iifa Tree, Eiko agrees to help the party out and tags along.
Mark and Alex make their way through the very interesting Black Mage Village, and enjoy marrying off the party to each other in Conde Petie! Eiko joins the fray and the guys discuss the ins and outs of Mountain Path including the locations of all the stones.
The guys continue on the journey to Conde Petie, home of the dwarves. With some absolutely hysterical conversations, there is plenty to do and see in Conde Petie. The trip is also then made into the forest in search of the Black Mage Village.
Mark and Alex venture into Fossil Roo and get the party to the Outer Continent. Full of twists, turns, and switches, Fossil Roo seems more complicated than it really is, and has some awesome treasure! The party also faces the bounty hunter Lani, who puts up quite a fight but makes a swift retreat.
Mark and Alex continue the journey through Pinnacles Rocks and encounter Morri... er, Ramuh the Thunder God. Queen Brahne has a summon of her own and leads an assault on Lindblum. The plot thickens as Reagent Cid provides some information that everyone has been realizing at this point, Kuja is behind all of it.
The guys head back to Alexandria under a different pretext this time- to save Princess Garnet from a beheading. This episode is packed full of the many boss battles that occur in the trip, as well as some major soul searching and decisions by Beatrix and Steiner.
With multiple boss battles and an Alexandrian invasion underway, Mark and Alex bring to you the last moments of Cleyra's existence before things go drastically terrible. As always, the guys go over plenty of tips and tricks, as well as focus on the impact of these moments on the plot of the story.
Heading up to the top of Cleyra, the guys provide the "in's and out's" of what to expect on the journey. Filled with tips, tricks, and plenty of treasures, the story is rapidly approaching some incredible moments!
Mark and Alex backtrack to see what's up at Quan's Dwelling, spend a quick stent in possibly the smallest area in-game, and are then best by those rascals Zorn & Thorn.
Mark and Alex delve into Treno to uncover all the secretes it holds (a pretty big one with a hidden ATE!) and to find out where to find the Supersoft to save Blank.
The boys make their way through Burmecia to get to the bottom of who is behind the Black Mage attacks. After a failed battle against one of the strongest known champions, the focus then turns to South Gate and the continued travels of Dagger and her trusted guard. Oh, and of course the best bundt cake in all of the land!
In this episode the guys charge head-first into Gizamaluke's Grotto to provide the in's and out's of the area. Complete with the usual loot, steals, and useful info, the story then continues to North Gate where we get a glimpse of what Sir Rusty has been up to since Dagger made her escape from Lindblum.
Mark and Alex go into detail on strategies to win each of the rewards for the Festival of the Hunt, as well as discuss what's going on over at Qu's Marsh which includes a new character and some frog catching. The Chocobo Forest is always a hot topic with amazing rewards and, at times, incredibly frustrating digging.
Mark and Alex discuss the, many, things to do and see when you first arrive at the amazing city of Lindblum. They go over the odd secrets to find as well as a trick to make plenty of gil, if you prepared accordingly. Are you ready to equip yourself with the gear and knowledge to tackle what's next?
The road takes us to Dali, such a nice peaceful and safe town. Or is it? Mark and Alex give the rundown of the things to do and see in Dali, as well as discuss the dark twist that lurks underground.
Continuing our journey through the Final Fantasy IX story line, the guys discuss the ins & outs of the Evil Forest, the Ice Cavern, and the Open World in between. Make sure to mark down the few small story details that are most often overlooked which really help the plot of IX shine!
Diving a bit further into the story, Mark and Alex discuss what goes down on the theater ship while in Alexandria and after the crash. Highlights include the various loot gained, new characters, and the new Active Time Event's.
The guys begin their new series on FF9 starting with the story's beginning. They discuss the things to do, side quests, little secrets, and get in-depth on the formula of how to lose your cards... err, on the attacking/defending in Tetra Master.
Finishing off the mini-game series, Mark and Alex discuss the various mini-games in Final Fantasies 7, 8, and 9. With many to cover, there is definitely a focus on the larger ones such as Triple Triad, Chocobo Treasure Hunting, and Gold Saucer.
In this mini-series, Mark and Alex review the many awesome, and maybe not so great, mini-games in the FF series! With a focus on X, X-2, and XII for Pt 1, there is a chunk of time devoted solely to one of the guys' favorites of all-time, Blitzball.
Mark and Alex dive deep into the FFXII safari discussing hunts and rare game. They chat about difficult marks as well as requirements of finding some of the most elusive rares in the game.
The guys chat about their ideas of optimal party/character set-ups, weapons, and job choices. They also discuss elements of the game that maybe aren't so useful after all. Included is the second installment of the short segment "Bold Move" as well as the brand new "SeeD Trivia"!
Mark and Alex dive into their pilot episode beginning with a discussion on Final Fantasy 12. They chat about the major aspects of 12, as well as what their current playthroughs are looking like. Don't miss out on the first short segment "Bold Move" included as well!