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LeisureVideo Games

Everything Is Final Fantasy

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.

Play
  • 22 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 1 hr 3 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S35 · E31
    Thursday · 1 hr 22 min

    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 world, and even our heroes? Let's listen!

  • S45 · E6
    August 26 · 54 min

    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.

  • S35 · E30
    August 22 · 1 hr 25 min

    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.

  • S35 · E29
    August 19 · 1 hr 8 min

    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? And why is Don't Be Afraid such a BANGER?

  • S35 · E28
    August 17 · 1 hr 10 min

    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 Metal Gear Solid and Super Smash Bros music makes its way into the conversation!

  • S35 · E27
    August 15 · 1 hr 33 min

    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.

  • S45 · E4
    August 10 · 43 min

    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."

  • S45 · E3
    August 8 · 51 min

    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.

  • S45 · E2
    August 6 · 45 min

    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.

  • S35 · E26
    August 4 · 1 hr 20 min

    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 we choose?

  • August 1 · 57 min

    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.

  • July 27 · 1 hr 13 min

    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?

  • S35 · E23
    July 23 · 1 hr 38 min

    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?

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes