Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits - Casp

[@pages4573]

It is nice for a game to sometimes say. "Nah, our ideologies are fundamentally different and let's just try our best to tolerate one another." In this current age where everyone thinks it's possible to get along with everyone else, having that sense of realism is nice

[@Caspicum]

I haven't played it in many years, so giving it a go now was such a refreshing. Seeing people agree to dislike passively instead of actively adopt their enemy was a unique take for sure.

[@ElectricBarrier]

It's really the best you can hope for. You're just not gonna end racism, and the best you can do is make people equal under the law and ensure equality of opportunities, and let everyone go off and do their own thing instead of forcing them to try and not just co-exist peacefully but actively like each other. When we'd all probably be more happy if it was more acceptable to just not like other races instead of less.

[@mauricioaguilera3194]

Is one of the things that I really liked about this game ... While I played I was thinking that for sure I would have to chose a side and dispose of the other side, or that they would end up joining and be friends for some reason ... but no, they chose to pretty much "respect" each other side, while still hating each other ... they acknowledge that they might fight in the future, but for the moment they should stay on their side of the line

[@stormstrider]

back in the day, there used to be a thing called a 'dialogue' where two different ideologies (sometimes opposing) came together and discussed things. sometimes important topics, just to get a different understanding that wasn't from their own viewpoint to help each individual gain a wider grasp on said topic. There was no inflammatory rebuke or judgement, just silent contemplations. There was a time, not long ago where politics worked this way, as well, where opposing parties worked together to screw over less people on both sides rather than each party fighting for dominance to utterly screw the other in the name of their corporate masters.

[@shadowwwwwwwwwww]

very powerful of the humans in this game to just pretend that the deimos weren't hot.

[@attackofthecopyrightbots]

Not hot enough to get more than the small amount of fanart I posted sadly. Somehow even the most popular arc has less fanart than the first ones

[@Caspicum]

The plant. my god

[@Erica-nf2tj]

Volk was giving dilf ong

[@kellymoffat3670]

Lady Nafia knew what was up fr fr 😊

[@thaoster209]

Honestly very underrated game. I feel like the character and plot were very good in this game. Also all the hidden stuff you can find makes it so nostalgic

[@Caspicum]

Legit, one of the best in the series

[@CookiezSama]

Man, this game brings back memories. I actually got it packaged with the PS2 as a promotional game, which I thought was a weird decision, given that it's a pretty niche title. I guess it didn't really sell well in Europe? I remember the game manual being pretty high quality. Also, I didn't have a memory card for months after my grandpa bought the PS2 for me (I didn't want to rip him off any further and my parents disapproved of anything gaming related, so I didn't ask them either), and given how I owned like two games at that time, I restarted this game over and over again. I must have played the first two chapters at least 20 times. Then one summer vacation I decided to play through the game: I didn't turn off my PS2 for 2 days not to lose progress, and probably spent at least 14 hours 'speedrunning' the game. I got all to the final dungeon, but the repeating samey looking rooms with the boring encounters got the better off me, I turned off the game and never finished it ;_; Ah the memories. Also, they had no right showing these hot female protags to 8 year old me.

[@DanielSantosAnalysis]

I am pleasantly surprised to see that this game actually holds up! I guess teenage version of me didnt always have bad taste, just most of the time.

[@Caspicum]

That was my exact thought process while replaying it. Honestly, after End of Darkness, I might need an extra playthrough of Twilight

[@DanielSantosAnalysis]

@@Caspicum End of Darkness was so bad, it seems to have retroactively elevated the rest of the series.

[@DrewDragoon]

That thumbnail is a work of pure art and beauty

[@Caspicum]

ty, i spent way too long making it. do not look at the big version :)

[@davidsburningdumpster8728]

This is a really good agree to disagree message. Sometimes you just can't gel with someone else in a fundamental level. And holy shit. Since I just read Casp and clic on the videos. This thumbnail made me realise how good yours have been lately!

[@Caspicum]

I've met so many people I could never gel with on a personal level, but there're very few people I actively dislike, so this game spoke to me in a weird way. I feel like everyone's got some shit to share, and you don't have to wholly agree with them on any topic, that usually makes them more interesting, right? also ty ty, I spend literal hours on my thumbnails because I'm really bad at anything resembling graphic design. I just want them to look nice, so if they're doing that, I'm happy!

[@SkaPhilosopher]

This was an awesome video, man. Thanks for not only putting this game in the spotlight, but doing it justice

[@Caspicum]

I'd hoped that my talking about the story for 30-odd minutes wouldn't be boring. I'm not convinced, but I'm glad it's appreciated nonetheless! ty ty

[@outtrigger]

@@Caspicum it was a great video

[@stanjones5341]

Absolutely excellent how you identified the parallels… didn’t think anyone knew about this game. If you know , you know.

[@AvalancheReviews]

Right when I started my cardio. Perfect timing.

[@attackofthecopyrightbots]

There he is!

[@Caspicum]

Cardio? ngmi

[@deejay3297]

Oi i just saw him put a stream up only about a decade since u and dreamwhale did 1 is he still alive?

[@Obelia.]

Samson is an appropriate name for a character with that kind of chest rug.

[@Caspicum]

It gives him physical AND sensual power.

[@vsolyomi]

This sure deserves more love than it gets!

[@Caspicum]

Definitely. Arc as a whole is criminally under-played.

[@bluethomas3021]

Played this as a kid - fucking brilliant OST, love it even though I know it’s a silly game.

[@Caspicum]

the OST is a ripper hey, I can't use most of it for videos because the tracks are so good, they over-power my voice and make me sound like shit

[@BlazingAzureTheta]

Fuck this final boss. I had to replay the game just to get to the chapter where you can buy the weapon part that adds light to your weapon attacks to beat the final boss. TBF I was like 10 and the sudden jump in difficulty was too much for me. Other than the bullshit final boss, I remember really enjoying this game. The split perspective was something I had never experienced before. Of course, as a 10 year old the edgy Darc was my favorite character.

[@Caspicum]

I remember getting blasted by the final boss when I was younger too, but this time around he was more just slow and tedious. That said, I was probably a higher level this time because of the arenas, and I understood stat distributions instead of "I like this character" but I was surprised how relatively easy he was. also Darc is still sick, i relate to him more in adulthood honestly

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Time to go back and binge Arc videos!

[@Caspicum]

it's been so long, i gotta go back and fix those up

[@stormstrider]

I feel refreshed knowing I'm not the only one who sits in the middle of polarized squabbles saying "you guys realize you're both being idiots about this, right?"

[@Caspicum]

I'm that guy on the side lines screaming "ACCELERATE" but i guess i count as a centrist by proxy right?

[@stormstrider]

@Casp I have no problem with ripping the bandaid off, I've also made peace with my morality but the problem with most accelerationists I know is they think it'll be a fun little vidya. that aside, I wouldn't call myself 'centrist', I just know the extremes in either direction are retarded

[@Caspicum]

but the extremes called you a fence sitter for not agreeing with them, and they're loud so they must also be correct. i'd post a soyjak here but youtube doesn't let you :(

[@stormstrider]

@Casp Let's just saus I'm right enough of center to not care what retarded extremists think I care more about the well being of my wife and family over theirs. No step on snek.

[@attackofthecopyrightbots]

The real mystery of this game is that it still barely has any fanart. Not even on furaffinity.(was that desperate) Every single character in all the other games have more fanart than this game

[@Ghalheart]

Great review, man. Your Arc the Lad videos have given me a renewed interest in checking out the series myself, and this Twilight of the Spirits review definitely sealed the deal for me. :D

[@Caspicum]

I'd say there're way better series to check out, but if you've got a cheeky couple hours for some... interesting experiences, you could do worse. Godspeed!!

[@Ghalheart]

That's just it, man. You hear enough about the 8/10 and 9/10 games that sometimes you gotta see what the 6/10 and 7/10 games are bringing to the plate and then judge for yourself. Same way that you hear tons of people fawn over the earlier Final Fantasy games, but then you've got this following of people who swear by Lufia II and Jade Cocoon. You never know unless you check it out yourself, and more people going back and actually checking these games out is definitely appreciated. Anyways, keep up the good work. :D

[@ShadowWolfRising]

We really need the Arc series to come back. Also The Non-Humans being cooler and more interesting than the humans, as is normal and the correct way.

[@Caspicum]

It did come back... As a mobile game :^)

[@ShadowWolfRising]

@@Caspicum That explains why you have 2 more videos instead of just the one.

[@devingunnels3251]

Shut up, closet furry

[@GreyCartridge]

Genuinely popped off today; Capcom announced they’d be localizing the Boktai 3 collab in Battle Network 6 in Legacy Collection. I think this is the first official Boktai news since like Otenko’s inclusion in Peacewalker back in 2010. Huge day to be Grey Cart 🍾

[@GreyCartridge]

I’ve also touched the requisite amount of grass today, don’t worry your pretty little green head.

[@Caspicum]

I've honestly grown more interested in Boktai after your consistent comments. I've become genuinely invested in your happiness. Thank you for the updates, my friend.

[@ImTakingYouToFlavorTown]

​@@CaspicumI think the boktai games are pretty great, though I did play them at 15 and I need to do a replay to be sure they are as good as I remember.

[@deatho0ne587]

Old memory of this game: Up till they ditched Lillia I thought she was going to be the love interest of Kharg and Darc. They would fight over her, but nope she is just sidelined.

[@Caspicum]

I kinda dig that. It feels too easy to have this useless woman be the love interest, but nothing about Lilia was telegraphed. She was just sad all the time and secretive. Idk how you fall in love with that when Paulette's got a nice rack

[@deatho0ne587]

I was 11 years younger when I played it. Perspective today is not what it was 10 years ago and will not be what it is 10 years from now.

[@ZerberusKnight]

"Such a lust for revenge.... HOOOOOOT!!!"

[@Caspicum]

nooooooooooooooo stop thirsting on the pink demon girl!

[@cornholiofan1995]

ya darc is like a stalinist trying to tardwrangle everyone else in his group because they can't save themselves in their current conditions.

[@killerwolfxx7]

I love this game, I still listen to the OST.

[@Caspicum]

Me too, it's amazing and very unconventional for a JRPG.

[@saeefa]

This is one of the most underrated jrpg ever

[@Caspicum]

tru tru. I'm not done with Twilight of the Spirits just yet either, I have something else in store for it.

[@stanjones5341]

They don’t make games like this anymore… it’s straight up and simple. With a great story… no gameFAQs needed.

[@venomblade891]

Absolutely love this game and glad I found this vid. Recently beat it again after not having done so in so many years. It still holds up really well. Wish there was another game...I'm not done with this vid yet, but I know it's going to be great and can def tell you're a fan ^^.

[@markfamilari3842]

Awesome video man , I didn't complete it and I'm so glad you did.

[@dippedasusual]

Casp: "Our Darc-y boi" Dr. Umar Johnson: "I beg your pardon? I beg... yoUR PARDON?"

[@Caspicum]

nfi who that is, but he honestly seems kinda based ngl

[@hanayaseth]

I came here for a video to drink tea with, and I came out with food for thought.

[@kellymoffat3670]

"Blue Daddy realises he's outnumbered and runs off back to Anthrocon" fking ded 💀 💀 😂

[@NightmareOni]

Man's playing Twilight of the Spirits!

[@Caspicum]

ayyyyyyyyyyyyyy end of darkness next babyyyyyyyyyyyy

[@cornholiofan1995]

I was able to get into Fallout 1 and 2 because of this game's gameplay when I was a kid.

[@TheJpiscool]

So I literally wear my love for this game on my sleeve. Literally ever since playing this game as a child I have used the name DarcStarr online as an homage to this game. I think this game is fantastic. I haven't watched your video yet, but I can't wait to hear what you have to say about this lil hidden gem. I admit it's by no means a perfect game, and not at all a masterpiece, but it is a solid 8/10 JRPG in my opinion, which is respectful in its own right. That coupled with the uniqueness of its gameplay have made this one of the most memorable ps2 games for me.

[@Caspicum]

I don't know if I say a single negative thing about this game, which is odd for me, as that's usually what I'm all about. I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised!

[@TheJpiscool]

@@Caspicum A few of your jokes flew over my head, as I failed to understand the intention of them, I think? But generally speaking I thought the more important parts, such as your takes on the game's story and characters, were absolutely spot on ^^ Generally a very good video honestly. I would go a bit more in-depth but if i'm being completely real with you i'm too stoned to LOL

[@TheJpiscool]

​@@Caspicum Just to give some minor clarity though the joke that i failed to understand was the excerpt from "Chronicles of the midwit." I also just wasn't very fond of the joke where you put in text "I love this little n." I'm not trying to be sensitive, I should clarify, I just personally do not find that style of humor to be funny on a purely personal level

[@BibleNutter]

You're a really good story teller/narrator!

[@DeepestDankest]

The dual protagonist/party member shtick was an element I really enjoyed and hoped to kind of see more of in modern JRPGs. Having them confront each other was pretty damn cool and I'm a bit sad that I haven't seen it done again in modern games.

[@Caspicum]

The only other example I can think of in vidya as a whole was Breath of Fire 4, which even then is pretty withdrawn compared to Twilight. It's got huge potential as well.

[@azeldeslin7183]

Your pacing is great....keep it up!

[@Leonidash15]

Samson really rocks that chest hair! 👀 DAMN! Sky Pirate Daddy indeed!

[@Caspicum]

All it really takes is a toned chest and a loose garb. even you can do it!

[@doodlebugfour7070]

He's even voiced by the same VA that does Jecht from Final Fantasy 10.

[@sukamadik5983]

I'm here because you said Jared is a good cleaner so now I want to check out your channel.

[@Caspicum]

You should see the rim work he does. Pristine. You couldn't taste it if you tried.

[@tacticplayer83]

Wow! I have not seen this game since I played the first version for PS1!! Amazing video. Thank you so much!! Take a well deserved like and Sub!

[@Caspicum]

I'm happy to have earnt your time! Thank you, my friend!

[@tacticplayer83]

@@Caspicum I hope my channel is good enough to earn yours as well! Happy to be of help my friend! Keep it up!

[@WoodmanFLG]

Sometimes I forget this game exists, like a fever dream from my childhood

[@attackofthecopyrightbots]

You’re better off forgetting it haha

[@Caspicum]

It's crazy that it exists at all, it's so whacky. I played it heavily when I was younger but even I'm like "There's no way the events actually went down like that."

[@Trunks47r786]

Your reviews are wholly entertaining and you're a funny dude my guy.

[@Caspicum]

I appreciate that! My goal is to talk some mad shit about video games, so if I can make people laugh too, that's great!

[@TMac-os1hy]

Based animu game reviewer has more logical, respectful and nuanced takes about racism and society as a whole than not only most people on the cringe bird site but whole damn government bodies and people that are supposed to lead us…. I need to take a sit and think about this for a while.

[@Caspicum]

I live by the code: "Be the racist you want to see, do not demand others be as racist as ye." so far, it's worked pretty well.

[@CodePhoenix555]

Was waiting for this for so long.

[@Caspicum]

WAIT NO MORE, MY FRIEND

[@GloriousGrunt]

Twilight of the Spirits is GOAT

[@Caspicum]

based and twilight pilled

[@PerrydactylShow]

Please never stop reviewing anime, Casp!

[@Caspicum]

I never would. They'd have to kill me.

[@jobbingtoaster1502]

It's like the developers did everything in their power to spite Arc 3. You must have gotten some form of whiplash.

[@Caspicum]

It does feel like a huge love letter to the first 2 games, and a slap in the face to 3, which I'm fine with.

[@PepsiMan666]

No time to watch it, simply commenting to help with the algorithm.

[@Caspicum]

I appreciate you. You have the best theme song

[@DefuaIt]

Enjoyable video though. good job 9/10 didn't tell me if the game was good or not.

[@Caspicum]

Surely my focus on the plant girl should be enough to convey that :^)

[@evillovekitty]

I adore this game

[@Caspicum]

Quality taste both on the Yugioh front and the Arc the Lad front. I salute you.

[@DreamWhale]

Change the title to 'Arc The Lad: Racism Edition' and have them pointing at the word 'racism'

[@Caspicum]

That's a good idea but will that flag me?

[@DreamWhale]

@@Caspicum take away that L, King

[@squidlordo7793]

Good ol Casposs mate coming in hot 🐉

[@Caspicum]

NEVER COOL DOWN

[@trev9000]

I miss the old Thumbnail

[@Caspicum]

I'm bringing back the soyjaks, I just need to fine tune the thumb. I loved the soyjaks but I wasn't 100% on it, so I want to fix it up a bit. For now, it'll be a qt gril.

[@Goaway95]

I want more arc games 🥺

[@Ingisen]

When did the Arc franchise make a return? Suddenly everyone's making videos about it!? Don't get me wrong, but I kinda thought I was the only Westerner to have played the 4 games + watched the anime... Guess I'm not alone

[@Caspicum]

I've been working on this GARBAGE since late 2020 or 2021, it's been way too long, but it's nice to see others making videos on it! Any good ones? I need some watching material.

[@attackofthecopyrightbots]

Not surprised you ended up liking it but kinda hoped you would have given it a good hard take like the other three. Could have gone either way though

[@attackofthecopyrightbots]

As a fan of the other games I just don’t like how this game tries to tie into the other ones and the fact that a lot of the people who talk about it have never played the originals and while ok it never really completely clicked for me

[@Ragnarakk]

Okay but as a furry... why ARE most of the deimos just kinda.. hot?

[@Caspicum]

Now, I'm not a furry, but I'm gonna say it's the traditional, exaggerated sex traits. Darc is muscly and toned, and his face is very sharp and angular. He's skinny, but still has a slight v-taper and abs, so he's conventionally attractive. Even Delma, with her small frame isn't rocking the muscles, but she is toned and fit. Her face is rounded, and soft, despite the fangs and horns. Volk's huge, he's got a big, V-shaped chest with pecs under his fur. Bebedora's a kid so idk i'm not gonna go there, but the plant is also very feminine. If you're gonna anthropomorphize characters in a humanoid way, you still want to make them visually appealing right? If you squint, you'll just see conventionally attractive humans, which is how I justify the plant.

[@Ragnarakk]

Yehhh we''re gonna pretend the flower demon is just.. over the other side of the room.. but yeh you got a good point with all of that~

[@TheDiscoGenre]

Second comment for 38:57 : Damn I'm impressed so many big name and/or /co/ VAs were in random JRPGs. Thought that only happened in FFX and Tales of Symphonia.

[@attackofthecopyrightbots]

It’s like when you’re watching a random anime and cartoon and you hear bender from futurama and Steve Blum

[@Caspicum]

I'm not even hip to voice actors, and even I recognised names, which speaks to what you're saying.

[@deejay3297]

Just imagine if all this work and "comedic talent" went towards a game anyone actually played.. Ahh to dream 10/10

[@Caspicum]

I'll make them care!

[@DrewDragoon]

Hey buddy I played this game, there's plenty of other channels to cover the popular titles

[@deejay3297]

Shine on u crazy diamond

[@TheDiscoGenre]

Arc the Lad 4's gameplay turned a lotta people off despite making up for AtL3's cancerous saccharine.

[@Caspicum]

If Twilight turned people off, I hate to think what End of Darkness did...

[@ShadowWolfRising]

@@Caspicum To this day, End of Darkness is the only one I know little about. I watched full 100% LPs of 1-3 and personally rented Twilight (And have it on my PSN account, cause that of all PS2 games got on there.).

[@briannicks7161]

Darc was always my favorite the only thing I liked about Khargs side is the airship I always that the flying beast thing was weird

[@Caspicum]

Not a fan of the Pyron hey? You don't wanna brush his creepy eye lashes?

[@Ragefat]

Good luck with "End of Darkness", I gave up not too long into it.

[@Caspicum]

I've already clocked it! Legitimately beat the entire thing. I've already started editing the video and reliving my pain :)

[@Ragefat]

@@Caspicum I respect your resolve, will be praying for your recovery. XD

[@ElectricBarrier]

If only we could put aside our seething racism long enough to take down the big bad in real life...

[@Caspicum]

NAME HIM

[@ElectricBarrier]

@@Caspicum Oy vey, you tryna get my youtube account suspended goy?

[@Caspicum]

SHUT IT DOWN

[@trystdodge6177]

Based

[@Sombrelame]

i always saw this game in my game shop but never picked it up since i didn't know anything about the series. i suppose it's time to fix this mistake.

[@Caspicum]

Definitely! I hope I didn't say too much about it

[@WorthlessWinner]

More anti-racism stories need to depict one race as being 13% but doing 50%

[@Caspicum]

I'd say Deimos are more 6.5% doing 75% but there's still a huge discrepancy.

[@Twy87]

I'll be honest, having never played any of the ATL series before this (here in the UK, the best we could hope for pre-2002ish were vauge puff-pieces in gaming magazines), I actually found TOTS a struggle to get into. The lack of any puzzles, proper dungeon crawling, or wider game-world exploration felt very off, especially since I still used FF 7 or BOF 3 as the 'universal standard' for what a JRPG was supposed to be.

[@V-Jes]

As someone who is European who overall got into RPG's with ATL1 (little reminder that the PS1 games didn't get here until they got released on PS3), even I couldn't get into this 1 because the Spirit Stone mechanic just cripples the combat for me...

[@attackofthecopyrightbots]

I agree there’s nothing wrong with not liking this game. I’m a fan of the first games so this one didn’t.

[@Caspicum]

I definitely understand why people would struggle getting into it. There's a lot of front-loaded exposition with minimal gameplay. The battle system is a little unconventional, at first, the world seems generic, like every other PS2 JRPG, but if you let it simmer for a bit, I think there is a lot to dig. I won't say it gets good after 30 hours, but this is one of the few games I think has a rough start, then eases into a comfy, linear game. If you got past the intro chapters and weren't hungry for more, you're probably not gonna like the whole experience, but there are moments later on which are worth the time investment. it actually gets good after 60 hours, two full playthroughs :^)

[@danfortuna1984]

did i catch a "scary movie" reference or am i really drunk?

[@Caspicum]

It could be both!

[@raptor8184]

Hi Casp what will be the next "can you beat" game?

[@Caspicum]

I've dropped hints before, but I'm going to aim for an April release. It will be another beloved PS1 RPG. Possibly more beloved than you realise.

[@sasuke93055]

Can someone tell how to grind for exp in this game?

[@superhetoric]

I'm curious if you know what your channel demographics are re: male vs female watchers lolol

[@Caspicum]

Gonna say 99% male. Girls don't go on the internet, bro.

[@linkart1910]

This thumbnail 🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@Caspicum]

They were asking for it, ngl

[@XainEisenhart]

Still not seeing what the problem with Deimos genocide would be.

[@Caspicum]

Darc is so cooooooooooooooooool

[@tikbalang9545]

aw man you changed the scuffed thumbnail

[@Caspicum]

oh damn i hit save on that. hang on, I'll change it back.

[@Kuikkamies]

The most fascist anime RPG reviewer comes out with a banger.

[@Caspicum]

Just wait until the troops are deployed.

[@attackofthecopyrightbots]

All of arc the lads final bosses are terrible I will admit

[@Caspicum]

It's crazy how they get it consistently so wrong, and the worst is yet to come.

[@TheDiscoGenre]

The opposite extreme of things like Mithos' second form and Odin from Dad of Boi.

[@user-tr1le7me9y]

Obligatory algorithm comment

[@Caspicum]

Obligatory reply. Your move, feller.

[@TheBlindWeasel]

Gamers?

[@Caspicum]

GAME RS

[@GuyDude-hk8uy]

25:57 rusty_cage.mp3

[@Caspicum]

(Japanese) girls (befriend) dogs

[@herooftermina]

First

[@Caspicum]

Second.