The ProfNoctis Weekly Show

ProfNoctis

Tune in every week to learn how to enjoy the things that you enjoy more and springboard yourself into the life that you want. Our hosts and guests discuss video games, life, and all the things that we do for fun and how to elevate our play.

  1. 10/13/2025

    Gavin Verhey Interview | How Final Fantasy CHANGED Magic: The Gathering Forever

    Magic meets Final Fantasy!  In this episode, Wade (ProfNoctis), Evan, and Nick sit down with Magic: The Gathering principal designer Gavin Verhey to unpack how the Final Fantasy collaboration came to life—and why “every card is an invitation.” What we cover:-Gavin’s origin story (from 11-year-old aspiring designer to Principal Designer)-How Universes Beyond brings new players into MTG (and keeps veterans engaged)-Final Fantasy design gems: Saga Creatures (Bahamut!), Fang & Vanille meld, King Edgar’s coin-flip, and the Gold Saucer date debate-Keeping Magic fresh: creative worldbuilding + elegant mechanics-Why Commander builds community (and thoughts on future digital multiplayer)-The power of Battlebond, Mystery Booster, and the “unknown events”-SpellTable, on-ramps for beginners, and the heart of the MTG community Key Lessons:-“Every card is an invitation.”-How the team balanced fan-service with avoiding spoilers-Why losing and still having fun is the secret design-Community as the real endgame: finding instant friends at college, LGS, and cons Guest links:Gavin’s YouTube — Good Morning Magic: ‪@GoodMorningMagic‬ Gavin on social: BlueSky / Instagram / X / TikTok: @ gavinverhey Questions for you (no spoilers):-What Final Fantasy moment do you most want to pull off in a Commander game?-Which Gold Saucer date card is your canon? 👀-New to MTG? What helped you get past the first 5 games? If you enjoyed this convo, hit 👍, subscribe, and share with a friend who loves FF or MTG. For more deep-dive lectures, interviews, and playthroughs, stay tuned here on ProfNoctis. Walk tall, friends. -------------------------------------------------New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis  Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord   Also connect with us on BlueSky now!Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs... ______________________________ CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDITAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Final Fantasy X / X-2: https://amzn.to/4kIBKiE------------------------------------------------- Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ... ______________________________ RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctisAlso, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

    1h 22m
  2. 09/25/2025

    Final Fantasy Tactics Remake Review – Why This 30-Year-Old Game Still Matters

    Step back into Ivalice with us! In this episode of The ProfNoctis Show, Evan and I dive into our spoiler-free review of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles—Square Enix’s long-awaited remaster of the legendary tactical RPG. We cover:-Presentation & performance – how the visuals, voice acting, and sound reimagine a classic.-Quality of life improvements – from auto-battle to smarter menus that make grinding fun.-Why the Nintendo Switch is the perfect home for FFT.-The story’s timeless themes – faith, betrayal, power, and how FFT mirrors real church history.How this game still speaks to us nearly 30 years later.-And yes, we’ll gush about bards, ninjas, chocobos, and how naming party members after early church fathers makes grinding way more fun (at least for Prof) This conversation is also a preview of our Final Fantasy Tactics Lecture Series, beginning Tuesday, September 30th—Release Day—live at 7:30pm CT on YouTube and Twitch. Each week we’ll explore councils, canon, heresy, and history through the lens of FFT’s story. For more details: www.ProfNoctis.com Like and subscribe for more reviews, lectures, and deep-dive conversations. Walk tall, friends—let’s uncover the truth of Ivalice together. -------------------------------------------------Thank you to © SQUARE ENIX for providing an advance copy for review.-------------------------------------------------New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis  Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord   Also connect with us on BlueSky now!Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs... ______________________________ CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDITAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles --  https://amzn.to/4gEReUa------------------------------------------------- Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ... ______________________________ RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctisAlso, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

    54 min
  3. 07/29/2025

    Prof Reviews Wuchang Fallen Feathers!

    In this episode, Prof Noctis and Evan discuss the new game Wuchong: Fallen Feathers, a Souls-like action RPG set in a richly detailed Chinese-inspired world. They explore the game's mechanics, themes, and the unique challenges it presents to players. The conversation delves into the significance of the game's setting during the late Ming dynasty, the combat system, and the innovative madness mechanic that adds depth to the gameplay experience. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the game's lore and the rewarding nature of its difficulty, making it a compelling choice for fans of the genre. 00:00- Welcome Back and Show Updates03:02- Introducing Wuchang: Fallen Feathers06:07- Understanding Souls-like Games08:57- Exploring the Setting and Themes11:53- Gameplay Mechanics and Combat15:02- Character and Story Development18:01- Level Design and Exploration20:56- Combat System and Skill Trees26:18- Weapon Customization and Combat Mechanics29:57- Difficulty and Fairness in Gameplay35:53- Madness Meter and Inner Demons37:54- Target Audience and Souls-like Experience44:41- Overall Impressions and Game Value #wuchangfallenfeathers #Soulslike #gaming #videogames #combat #difficulty #gamedesign #Chinesemythology #gamereview------------------------------------------------- New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis  Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord   Also connect with us on BlueSky now!Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs... ______________________________ CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDITAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buy Wuchang: Fallen Feathers for PS5 : https://amzn.to/40InyyJ------------------------------------------------- Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ... ______________________________ RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctisAlso, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

    53 min
  4. 06/30/2025

    The Switch 2 Is Here. But Why Does Nintendo Still Get a Pass? | PNWS Ep. 54

    In this special 53rd episode of our show, Evan and Professor Noctis dive deep into the magic of Nintendo and the release of the Switch 2. From first impressions and hardware design to childhood nostalgia, Joy-Con drift, and digital ownership—we’re unpacking why Nintendo continues to capture our imaginations... and when it lets us down. 🎮 Topics Include: Is the Switch 2 worth it? What makes Nintendo games feel magical? Joy-Con drift, pricing, and why Nintendo often gets a pass The role of fun in adult gaming Tracing Mario on your CRT TV (yes, really) -Reclaiming wonder in gaming as grown-ups #nintendo #nintendoswitch2 #nintendoswitch Featuring stories, laughter, and reflection on what it means to play, this episode marks 1 year of our weekly show—thank you for being part of the journey. -Join the conversation in the comments or on Discord! -Follow our Final Fantasy X Summer Pilgrimage, more MTG content, and upcoming interviews at www.ProfNoctis.com -Subscribe for weekly content that makes your games matter even more.-------------------------------------------------New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis  Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord   Also connect with us on BlueSky now!Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs... ______________________________ CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDITAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Final Fantasy X / X-2: https://amzn.to/4kIBKiE------------------------------------------------- Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ... ______________________________ RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctisAlso, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

    1h 28m
  5. 06/23/2025

    Cloud vs. Sephiroth Starter Deck Showdown | MTG x Final Fantasy Starter Guide | PNWS Ep. 53

    Picked up the Final Fantasy Starter Decks in Magic: The Gathering and don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. This video is for you! In this video, a 30-year MTG veteran, Nick Smith, and I (Professor Noctis) are going to dive into the Cloud (Red/White Aggro) and Sephiroth (Blue/Black Control) Starter Decks. We’ll walk you through: -How to play these decks with key strategies for each-When to mulligan and what to look for-How to use "mana dorks," equipment synergy, and sweepers-Lore-rich commentary on iconic Final Fantasy characters-The surprising power of cards like Freya and Sephiroth’s Intervention Whether you’re building your first deck or trying to figure out why your Dwarven Castle Guard keeps dying (and that's a good thing!), this guide blends beginner-friendly MTG strategy with all the Final Fantasy you expect from this channel!  0:00 -- Intro1:36 -- Cloud Deck44:00 -- Special Edition Tutorial Playmat (Buy here: www.profnoctis.com/playmat)44:30 -- Sephiroth Deck #finalfantasy #finalfantasyx #tidus #yuna #squareenix #profnoctis -------------------------------------------------New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis  Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord   Also connect with us on BlueSky now!Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs... ______________________________ CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDITAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Final Fantasy X / X-2: https://amzn.to/4kIBKiE------------------------------------------------- Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ... ______________________________ RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctisAlso, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

    1h 31m
  6. 06/16/2025

    Hands-On at SGF 2025: Prof's 13 Favorite Games | PNWS Ep. 52

    It was my first Summer Game Fest 2025 and it blew me away. In this episode of The ProfNoctis Weekly Show, we're breaking down everything I played at the event! From Capcom’s incredible showcase to surprise indie gems, I’ll walk you through 12 hands-on demos—featuring deep dives into all the games I played. Plus, I'll discuss Death Stranding 2 and Capcom's big three: Pragmata, Resident Evil 9: Requiem, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword. 0:00 — Prof went to Summer Game Fest!6:16 — Mistfall Hunter10:24- Lego Party13:49 - Nectarmancer16:31 — Voyagers of Nera20:36 — Codevein 223:51 - Demon Slayer 228:13 - Spine 30:55 — Norse: Oath of Blood34:20 — Wuchang: Fallen Feathers38:39 — Pragmata44:35 — Death Stranding 2: On the Beach50:33 — Resident Evil: Requiem58:02 — Onimusha: Way of the Sword1:02:28 — Final Thoughts on SGF / Word to the Devs Huge thanks to ​⁠the devs and publishers that allowed us access to see and experience their games at Summer Game Fest. Give them a sub! : Bellring Games(Mistfall), ‪@CapcomUSA‬ ​⁠‪@505games‬ ‪@thebeautycult‬ ‪@officialtreehousegames‬ ‪@playspine‬ ‪@tripwireinteractive‬ ‪@BandaiNamcoAmerica‬ ‪@SEGA‬ ‪@fictionsinc‬ ‪@KOJIMAPRODUCTIONS‬ #SGF #summergamefest #capcom #residentevil #onimusha #pragmata #mistfallhunter #legoparty #demonslayer2 #wuchang #spine #deathstranding #voyagersofnera #nectarmancer #norseoathofblood-------------------------------------------------New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis  Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord   Also connect with us on BlueSky now!Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs... ______________________________ CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDITAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Final Fantasy X / X-2: https://amzn.to/4kIBKiE------------------------------------------------- Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ... ______________________________ RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctisAlso, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

    1h 7m
  7. 06/13/2025

    Final Fantasy Comes to Magic: The Gathering's Commander Decks! | PNWS Ep. 51

    Join Professor Noctis as he dives into the world of Magic: the Gathering's Final Fantasy Commander Decks. In this educational video, we'll be unlocking the lore and strategies in the four FF-inspired Commander Decks. Whether you're a seasoned Final Fantasy fanatic or a lifelong Magic fan, this video is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about the collaboration. In the video, we'll discuss all four commander decks: 0:00 -- Commander Deck Overview24:21 -- TERRA: Revival Trance (FINAL FANTASY VI)42:31 -- CLOUD: Limit Break (FINAL FANTASY VII)1:15:28 -- TIDUS: Counter Blitz (FINAL FANTASY X)1:35:08 -- Y'SHTOLA: Scions & Spellcraft (FINAL FANTASY XIV) So, get ready to unleash your inner commander and discover the magic that happens when Final Fantasy meets MTG Commander Decks! -To learn how to play regular Arena-style Magic, watch our tutorial here:    • Learn Magic: The Gathering from the FF Prof!    -Also grab our EXCLUSIVE tutorial playmat, with art from ‪@tylorhepner‬ here! https://www.profnoctis.com/playmat Massive thanks to Nick Smith (at "Grave Robber") for the designs and animations. Find him at https://graverobber.co #MagicTheGathering #FinalFantasy #MTGTutorial #ProfNoctis #LearnToPlayMTG #MTGxFinalFantasy #mtgcards  -------------------------------------------------New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis  Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord   Also connect with us on BlueSky now!Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs... ______________________________ CLASS SUPPLIES and EXTRA CREDITAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Final Fantasy X / X-2: https://amzn.to/4kIBKiE------------------------------------------------- Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ... ______________________________ RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctisAlso, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)

    2h 8m
  8. 06/02/2025

    Gamers in the Classroom: Final Fantasy in Higher Ed | ProfNoctis PAX East 2025 | PNWS Ep. 50

    Final Fantasy isn’t just a game—it’s a gateway to deep conversations about philosophy, religion, grief, and identity. At the University of Alabama, I’ve built entire classes around titles like Final Fantasy XV, XVI, and VII Rebirth, and I’m sharing how games can transform the college classroom. In this panel from PAX East 2025, we’ll explore how story-driven games can boost memory retention, promote empathy, and give students new tools for learning. From teaching through trauma with The Last of Us to exploring theology with Clive Rosfield, this is for educators, gamers, and lifelong learners alike. Topics include: -The science behind "Gamification of the Classroom" -Using modern Final Fantasy games (XV XVI and 7 Remake/Rebirth) to explore history religion and philosophy -Using The Last of Us to examine morality and human behavior  Discover how gaming blends storytelling with education to create dynamic learning experiences-- perfect for educators gamers and anyone curious about the intersection of gaming and academia. 📍 Presented live at PAX East 2025 | Boston, MA #FinalFantasy #HigherEducation #Gamification #FFXVI #FF7Rebirth #TheLastOfUs #VideoGamesInSchool #PAXEast #ProfNoctis #GamingInEducation -------------------------------------------------New episodes of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show release every Monday!    / @profnoctis  Check out my Livestream!   / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis    / profnoctis  Join Prof's Classroom discussions:   / discord   Also connect with us on BlueSky now!Wade/Prof - https://bsky.app/profile/profnoctis.b...Evan - https://bsky.app/profile/whiskerss.bs... ______________________________ Want to listen to the ProfNoctis Show on-the-go? Check out our audio-only version wherever you get your podcasts! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1A9WZpJ... ______________________________ RIVERSIDE FM: The Preferred Podcast Program of ProfNoctisAlso, we're excited to use the BEST Video Podcasting program around: Riverside FM! Check out and see if this program is for you. https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig... (As a Riverside Affiliate, we receive a commission on all new subscriptions through this link)Explore the podcast

    51 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Tune in every week to learn how to enjoy the things that you enjoy more and springboard yourself into the life that you want. Our hosts and guests discuss video games, life, and all the things that we do for fun and how to elevate our play.