Let's Play Touhoumon - Gotta Graze 'Em All!

[Mirrinus]

I wanna be the very best
Like no one ever was
To capture spells is my real test
To graze them is my cause

I will travel from stage to stage
Dodging left and right
Bullet patterns for me to guage
The power of focused flight

Touhoumon!
Gotta graze 'em all--
I'll shoot with Z
And time out till victory
Touhoumon!
Ooooh, the pattern's tough
Will three bombs be enough?

Touhoumon!
Gotta graze 'em all--
My skills have showed
I'll wait for the screen to load
Never played on Easy Mode
Touhoumon!
Gotta graze 'em all!

http://i43.tinypic.com/16kqr5z.jpg

Some time ago, Patchouli Knowledge got tired of Marisa always coming to steal her books. She enlisted the help of the puppeteer Alice Margatroid, and together they created a series of magical dolls based on the residents of Gensokyo. Originally designed to guard their precious things, these "Touhoumon" have since spread throughout all of Gensokyo, integrating into society over decades of development. Or something like that, there's not really much of a backstory here, so I'm kind of making it up as I go along.

Touhoumon is a hack of Pokemon Fire Red, replacing every Pokemon with a character from the scrolling shooter series Touhou Project. However, unlike other Pokemon hacks like Moemon, Touhoumon is far more than just a sprite swap. Stats, moves, and even the type chart have been changed quite a bit as well. While still using the engine and basic game structure of Pokemon Fire Red, it adds a new touch to strategy and the overall gameplay experience. Also, awesome new remixed music.


http://i40.tinypic.com/r7lohg.jpg

For this Let's Play, I'll be playing Aquamentis's English version of Touhoumon. I chose this because it's a direct hack of the English Fire Red game, rather than a translation of the hacked Japanese version. The game is fairly similar to the original Fire Red game, with a few exceptions (other than the stuff I've already listed). While normal trainers are still just as strong or weak as ever, the gym leaders in Aquamentis's version have been boosted tremendously. They each have bigger rosters, much higher levels, and even new dangerous TM moves. This makes each gym leader a much greater challenge than they originally were.


http://i39.tinypic.com/11l5xjn.jpg

Of course, since this is a Let's Play, I want my readers to help me along my journey! You'll all get to vote and decide on who gets to be on my team, what I should nickname my stuff, how I should raise certain Touhoumon, and in what order I should do certain parts of the game. Each Touhoumon typically has 3 evolutionary forms: chibi, normal, and EX. Chibi forms are meant to be cute, and EX are badass. However, many characters have alternate evolutions (often based on Doujin works, like Advent Cirno), and you'll help me decide those too. And if there's any other suggestions you'd like to submit to make this more interesting, I'd be glad to consider it as well.

Here's what will happen: Each time I'm about to enter a new area with new catchable Touhoumon, I'll present a poll of all the new species available. Top pick gets to join my team. There will also be an option to not keep anything for my team from that area. Once my team is full, a new option to drop an existing member will be added to the poll. Since the game starts me off with the National Dex already available, and some 100+ unique species appear throughout the normal game, you can expect lots of choices. (Want to learn more about the characters? Check out the TV Tropes Character Page (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Characters/Touhou).)

All right then, enough talk. Let's begin!

Here's the team you've voted on thus far, at the end of Chapter 8:


http://i50.tinypic.com/v8kjko.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/so4g39.jpg

And as of 7/09/10, I'm pleased to announce that this Let's Play is complete!

Here are the chronicles of our entire journey:

Chapter 1:
(Part 1) - Pallet Town
(Part 2) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8434204&postcount=29) - Route 1
(Part 3) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8447162&postcount=61) - Route 22
(Part 4) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8453261&postcount=77) - Viridian Forest
(Part 5) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8462651&postcount=102) - Pewter Gym

Chapter 2:
(Part 1) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8467867&postcount=122) - Route 3
(Part 2) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8480141&postcount=147) - Mt. Moon
(Part 3) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8490077&postcount=152) - Route 24 (Nugget Bridge)
(Part 4) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8500771&postcount=181) - Route 25
(Part 5) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8508581&postcount=195) - Cerulean Gym

Chapter 3:
(Part 1) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8517945&postcount=212) - Route 6
(Part 2) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8534404&postcount=235) - S.S. Anne
(Part 3) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8546389&postcount=243) - Route 11
(Part 4) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8556853&postcount=246) - Vermilion Gym

Chapter 4:
(Part 1) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8565770&postcount=251) - Route 9
(Part 2) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8573177&postcount=283) - Rock Tunnel / Route 10
(Part 3) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8578471&postcount=290) - Route 8 / Celadon City
(Part 4) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8586500&postcount=301) - Team Rocket's Hideout
(Part 5) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8604591&postcount=313) - Celadon Gym

Chapter 5:
(Part 1) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8611447&postcount=323) - Graze Tower
(Part 2) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8627463&postcount=347) - Cycling Road / Safari Zone
(Part 3) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8652510&postcount=363) - Routes 12-15
(Part 4) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8668879&postcount=380) - Fuchsia Gym

Chapter 6:
(Part 1) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8689539&postcount=405) - Fighting Dojo
(Part 2) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8704068&postcount=419) - Silph Co.
(Part 3) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8727152&postcount=443) - Saffron Gym

Chapter 7:
(Part 1) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8747417&postcount=462) - Sea Routes
(Part 2) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8757547&postcount=478) - Scarlet Devil Mansion
(Part 3) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8770891&postcount=496) - Cinnabar Gym

Chapter 8:
(Part 1) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8786671&postcount=513) - Sevii Islands Sidequest
(Part 2) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8793445&postcount=523) - Mt. Ember
(Part 3) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8800282&postcount=538) - Icefall Cave / Ruin Valley
(Part 4) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8807953&postcount=563) - Team Rocket Warehouse
(Part 5) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8815032&postcount=575) - Viridian Gym

Chapter 9:
(Part 1) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8828847&postcount=588) - Victory Road
(Part 2) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8852387&postcount=602) - Lorelei
(Part 3) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8856531&postcount=615) - Bruno
(Part 4) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8867382&postcount=621) - Agatha
(Part 5) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8875428&postcount=625) - Lance
(Part 6) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8883198&postcount=635) - The End

**********

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 1-1

Good day, all! My name is Maribel Han. I'm currently an undergraduate student at Kyoto University, majoring in Relative Psychology. Lately, I've discovered that I possess the ability to see and manipulate boundaries between this world and other worlds. A while back, my friend Renko Usami and I used my power to enter a world called Gensokyo. However, I ended up losing control of my power, and, well...the rest is kind of a blur. But we managed to return home safely in the end, somehow.

Anyway, some time later, when I became more confident in my powers, Renko and I decided to return to Gensokyo again for our end-of-term vacation. However, when we arrived Gensokyo looked completely changed from how I remembered it. It was as if a long time has passed since our last visit. Things looked a lot more modern, although I'm told it was only for that particular region. Is this place suppose to be like Narnia or something, where time passes differently between worlds? I don't know; Renko's the Unified Physics major, she can figure it out.

Strangely enough, when we arrived at this world, an odd old man approached me and began to talk to me about the world.


http://i41.tinypic.com/s1s4cm.jpg

Weird, I don't remember those little creatures from the last time I was there. But they looked pretty familiar somehow, so I thought I might as enjoy myself here. But, studying Touhou as a profession? Either he's a total quack, or he has the best job ever!


http://i39.tinypic.com/2wly83c.jpg

Yeah, I know I'm not suppose to give my name to strangers, but I'm a university student by now. I can handle myself just fine. I mean, it's not like I'm 10 years old, right?


http://i43.tinypic.com/5br1q8.jpg

Professor Oak mistook Renko for a boy, but I guess that's understandable. After all, Renko does rather lack...talent in a certain area, shall we say.


http://i44.tinypic.com/4ptnya.jpg

How exciting! I better take lots of pictures this time, to prove to my friends back home that I'm not making all of this up...


http://i43.tinypic.com/1hcpc1.jpg

I awoke in an upstairs room, in front of an outdated video game console. Huh, I guess forgotten technology really does end up in Gensokyo. Anyway, first thing's first: there were some settings I needed to change. Increasing message speed to fast goes without saying, but there was something more important that I had to do. I follow two important rules: never play on Easy Mode, and never play with Shift Battle Style.


http://i41.tinypic.com/jgjjbk.jpg

I don't know who's room this is, but surely they wouldn't mind my looting some items from their PC. As it turns out, data materialization technology has become quite advanced in this world. Maybe that means it'll forever be in the realm of science fiction in my world.


http://i44.tinypic.com/3136efn.jpg

I wandered around town for a bit, catching the sights and learning interesting things from the signs (like how to open the START menu!). I found my way to Professor Oak's lab, where I was delighted to meet up with my friend Renko. Unfortunately, no one else of consequence was around, so dejectedly I returned outside again.


http://i41.tinypic.com/25u340y.jpg

Professor Oak caught me just as I was beginning to leave town. Hmm, if he was looking for me this whole time, why did it take him this long to find me? A proper gentleman should never keep a young lady waiting like that. Actually, he's probably some kind of dirty old man, greeting random stranger girls like this.


http://i42.tinypic.com/e13qsl.jpg

Back at the lab, Professor Oak offered us our choice of his three remaining Touhoumon. Apparently, his claim of being a talented trainer was complete nonsense, given that all his Touhoumon were level 5. At least Renko was kind enough to let me pick first. She's such a sweetie.

But here comes my first dilemma: which one should I pick?


http://i40.tinypic.com/160d949.jpg

Should I take the cute little red-white shrine maiden?


http://i44.tinypic.com/n2hf9e.jpg

Or the adorable little witch with the mischievous smirk?


http://i43.tinypic.com/whls.jpg

Or perhaps the meek little maid hiding sharp objects behind her back?

Oh, decisions, decisions. What ever shall I do?

[Terraoblivion]

I see that Maribel and Renko weren't completely scared off by the events in Labyrinth of Touhou then and decided to go back to an even weirder version of Gensokyo.

Also i vote for going with Sakuya. Who doesn't want to have their own tiny and elegant maid?

And i have to say. I don't know how to feel about being able to sing the entire Touhoumon theme song and spontaneously doing just that upon seeing it.

[Tome]

Ooh, go for Marisa. :smallbiggrin:

[Kasanip]

I vote for Reimu. :smallsmile:

[tonberrian]

I vote Sakuya.

[Oslecamo]

So a LP about catching little girls with cute suits and forcing them to fight for your amusement? And I tought X-Com was a bunch of psycopaths!

Sign me up. Sakuya, I choose you!

[Mirrinus]

Also, anyone have nickname suggestions? :smallwink:

[Cubey]

So a LP about catching little girls with cute suits and forcing them to fight for your amusement? And I tought X-Com was a bunch of psycopaths!


No, no. Wild Touhou.

My choice: Marisa. If you have her, more Touhoumons will immediately appear. It's magnetic.

[Neon Knight]

I vote for Marisa.

[SephlidJam]

As much as I like Sakuya, I'm going to have to say Marisa. LOVE COLORED MASTER SPARK!

[Tengu_temp]

I'll vote for Raymoo, because the laidback drunkard* seems to be the underdog here.

* - That's how Aya's newspaper calls her, and was it ever wrong? Speaking of which, the moment you can catch Aya, get.

[Assassin89]

Another Touhou themed Let's Play? Yay!

As for my vote, I would choose Reimu. Dichromatic Butterfly.

For possible nicknames for some Touhoumon:

Cirno: Atai1
Komachi: Atai2
Orin: Atai3
Shizuha: Who?

[Toric]

Sakuya, I choose you!

Nicknames:
Sakuya = May-doh.
Marisa = Marizard. Alternatively, Gollum.

[Cogwheel]

I'm still drawing a blank on most of the series, but... eh.

Marisa: MoreDakka. Or just Dakka if that's too many characters.

[SparkMandriller]

Six Kisumes!

[Assassin89]

Marisa = Marizard. Alternatively, Gollum.

No, Gollum would be Alice because Marisa stole her precious thing.

[Terraoblivion]

I'd steal her precious thing. :3

But yeah, Assassin's comment makes sense.

[Oslecamo]

I'd steal her precious thing. :3


Speaking of wich, there's no egg breeding on this version right?

Because it would be kinda...Awkward.:smalleek:

[Prime32]

Speaking of wich, there's no egg breeding on this version right?

Because it would be kinda...Awkward.:smalleek:Don't be ridiculous, everyone knows you c... oh, right, land of things people don't believe in. :smalleek:

[Terraoblivion]

Hey, Meiling and Sakuya's daughter is freaking adorable! The fanmade one i mean. And it is not like Yukari couldn't handle the pesky little problem of incorrect genders anyway, she could just mess around with the barrier between them for however long is necessary.

[kamikasei]

My choice: Marisa. If you have her, more Touhoumons will immediately appear. It's magnetic.
You make a compelling case. However,

Also i vote for going with Sakuya. Who doesn't want to have their own tiny and elegant maid?

...so I'll say Sakuya unless you can pick one up very soon after you start anyway.

She will be called Sacchan. *nods*

How long can these nicknames be? Any chance of naming Marisa "Magical Mary"?

[Drascin]

Individually, I prefer Sakuya. But Marisa fits better in a Wizarding team, and both Pache and Alice are really freaking scarily good in this game and you should get them ASAP, so...

I guess I'm voting neutral :smalltongue:.

[Rolaran]

Going to vote Marisa, on the basis that she was more or less absent from the Labyrinth one.

For name, I vote M. Spaaark! Although if that many "a"s don't fit, you might as well do something different.

Also, is there any chance of a download link? I haven't played a Pokemon game since 2nd Generation (Silver), but this is giving me a dangerously high dose of nostalgia.

[Fri]

You make a compelling case. However,


...so I'll say Sakuya unless you can pick one up very soon after you start anyway.

She will be called Sacchan. *nods*

How long can these nicknames be? Any chance of naming Marisa "Magical Mary"?

this guy speak the truth. magical mary all the way.

[Mirrinus]

A very close vote, but it looks like Marisa just barely wins. Unfortunately, the character limit for nicknames is 10, so "Magical Mary" won't fit. Will "Magic Mary" do?

New segment will be up later tonight.

BTW, if you're looking for the game's patch I'm using, check out Aquamentis's mediafire account (http://www.mediafire.com/aquamentis).

[Todasmile]

Really? To me, it seem like a tie...

Sakuya: Terraoblivion, tonberrian, Oslecamo, Toric, kamikasei

Marisa: Tome, Cubey, Neon Knight, SephlidJam, Rolaran

The rest just seem like nickname suggestions from where I'm sitting.

[Fri]

no. at least I vote for marisa. but to be fair, yes, it's mostly because the nickname.

[Cogwheel]

A very close vote, but it looks like Marisa just barely wins. Unfortunately, the character limit for nicknames is 10, so "Magical Mary" won't fit. Will "Magic Mary" do?

New segment will be up later tonight.

BTW, if you're looking for the game's patch I'm using, check out Aquamentis's mediafire account (http://www.mediafire.com/aquamentis).

More Dakka would also fit :smalltongue:

[Mirrinus]

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 1-2

After some careful deliberation, I chose to take Marisa, the ordinary magician Touhoumon. After all, you can't go wrong with more firepower.


http://i41.tinypic.com/33dglg3.jpg

My good friend Renko decided to go with Sakuya, the elegant maid Touhoumon. I really don't know why; I mean, it's not like my girl's evolved form won't be able to hit Sakuya's quadruple weakness with a STAB'd attack. Wait, what did I just say?


http://i39.tinypic.com/2a0yuo.jpg

When prompted for a nickname, I just had to go with "Magical Mary". Unfortunately, whoever designed the Touhoumon registration form only gave enough scantron spaces for a 10-letter name, which is just ludicrous. What if someone like, oh, I don't know, Keine, needed to fill in their last name? How ridiculous; at least to me, she'll always be called Magical Mary. Isn't she cute? She's bold enough to take on any comers!


http://i43.tinypic.com/34gu5wk.jpg

Speaking of comers, Renko offered to be my very first dueling partner. All right! I'm so excited to start battling like a-


http://i43.tinypic.com/2jcvk8n.jpg

What. Is. This? A tutorial? OK, I can be a little understanding if this were to give me some more useful information, but...Professor Oak? Did you really think a college student would not be able to figure out that I should try to inflict damage? What's next? Teaching me that leveling up is considered a good thing?


http://i44.tinypic.com/2ynj59x.jpg

Regardless of the inane tutorial, what followed next was an exciting battle of epic proportions! First came chibi Sakuya with her Leer, which Magical Mary canceled out with Growl. Then a Tackle, followed by a Scratch, then a Tackle, then a Scratch, then a Tackle, then a Scratch, then a...Ok, you know what? I take that back. This is the most boring fight I've ever been in. And the fact that this is the only fight I've been in doesn't diminish that statement one bit.


http://i39.tinypic.com/2zxo750.jpg

I think that fight could have gone either way. Renko was a really good sport about it.


http://i40.tinypic.com/4re03q.jpg

Even the irritation caused by another piece of Oak's useless tutorial did not negate my joy from my first victory, boring battle or not. Renko bid me farewell in a very cordial manner. It pleases me to talk with polite people. One of my greatest fears is for the phrase "smell you later" to replace "good-bye" in the future. Could you imagine what that would be like?


http://i42.tinypic.com/e6sqh4.jpg

Fresh from my victory, I left town and headed north through the only land route from Pallet Town. Route 1 (how conveniently named!) was a quaint grassy road up a mild hill. Along the way, I met a few other fellow travelers. One was handing out free items on behalf of the Kirisame Mart chain of stores. I love free samples! I mean, who doesn't? It's been ages since I've been willing to accept things being passed out by random strangers. Back at my university, the only things people handed out were fliers protesting budget cuts and denouncing current world leaders.


http://i41.tinypic.com/mrtj76.jpg

As I walked up the hill, I got a chance to see some new Touhoumon. They were the usual common fare one would expect to see in the wild, but they made good fodder for Magical Mary to practice on. She quickly picked up a new trick, which of course involved blasting her foe with indiscriminate firepower. Isn't that the solution to everything? Well, except those pesky ground-types. But it was certainly useful for making some grilled chicken along the way.


http://i43.tinypic.com/29gcxa0.jpg

After the short and pleasant walk, I came to the neighboring town of Viridian City. Unfortunately, my attempt to go further north was blocked by a cranky old man who desperately needed his morning cup of coffee. Old people in this world sure are strange. They're either teaching you how to breathe, or using their bodies as human roadblocks. Weird.


http://i41.tinypic.com/2pq0won.jpg

With nowhere else to go, I went to check out the local Eirin Center, a hospital dedicated to the treatment of Touhoumon. The free healthcare here is great, but it always makes me wonder about the quality of care being offered. That, and the nurse always says she hopes to see me again. Does she really want my Touhoumon to get injured more often? I think they ought to re-examine their hiring policy.


http://i40.tinypic.com/25tz57b.jpg

My last stop was the Kirisame Mart, where I hoped to stock up on supplies for the upcoming journey. However, the clerk was very rude, absolutely refusing to sell me anything. He just kept going on and on about making a delivery to Professor Oak, and forced me into doing his job for him. Look, unpaid internships are one thing, but college students are NOT suppose to be a free source of manual labor. Still, I took the package just to shut him up.


http://i44.tinypic.com/2jenyhs.jpg

By the time I made it back to the senile professor, Renko had also returned from who-knows-where. Apparently our timing was good, because in his old age Professor Oak had forgotten to give us something else when we were there earlier. At least he didn't take the time to explain to us how to open the item menu.


http://i40.tinypic.com/2cz3plg.jpg

Professor Oak handed Renko and I these nifty devices called the Ayanote, which somehow manages to write down information on every Touhoumon we come across. Which just begs the question: who's writing this down? I mean, I don't know a thing about the creatures I'm coming into contact with. Either Professor Oak had already known all this about Touhoumon, and had programmed the Ayanote to say these things, or...the Ayanote itself is intelligent and is coming up with all of this on its own! Wait, he wants to send us on a journey alone with a high-tech AI that could become sentient and turn on us at any moment? As if I needed another reason to be creeped out by him...


http://i41.tinypic.com/5jz3a1.jpg

...but at least he gives us free stuff. That's always welcome.


http://i39.tinypic.com/2r23gwg.jpg

And now he's forcing his own dream upon us. Great. Doesn't he know that's a huge parenting mistake? Makes me wonder just how messed-up his children and grandchildren are. Now I just hope he doesn't tell us he made a blood oath to complete this quest too.


http://i44.tinypic.com/5b8irm.jpg

Ah, Renko. My one and only ally on this quest. You're the best friendly rival one could ask for. I can only imagine how hard this would be if you were a total jerk.

Well, with all that done, now I can finally have some fun on this vacation. As I walked up Route 1 again, I saw the same common Touhoumon from before, as well as some new rare ones.


http://i44.tinypic.com/t9fgv7.jpg

Hmm...might as well take these Toho Orbs out for a spin, and start catching a few of these critters. Perhaps Magical Mary could use a partner?

Time to vote on a new team member! Here are the new characters available on Route 1:

A. Chen
B. Mystia Lorelei
C. Kanako Yasaka
D. Suwako Moriya
E. Alice Margatroid
F. Nazrin
G. (None of the above)

By the way, I think I'll omit any characters that have already been voted on before for future polls, leaving only the new characters. Otherwise, I'll have to include Chen and Mystia on almost every list...

[Terraoblivion]

So we only vote on one new girl? This is going to be pretty hard, actually. I think i will go for Suwako, we get that thing eating her brain too then. Also she was in one of my favorite Touhou doujins, though i still preferred Meiling and Sakuya on a date outside Gensokyo.

[Cogwheel]

Lessee... first off, fluff-wise, Kanako/Suwako seem entirely too high-powered to be available this early :smalltongue:

Second, I vote for Suwako. Why? The hat.

And being entirely too much fun to play in UNL/Hisoutensoku. That helps too.

[Oslecamo]

Vote for Kanako.

Also, dled the patch and trying it out myself (damn you for giving me even something else to waste my time on!)

My character is named Excellen. Her rival is Alfimi.

[Cogwheel]

Just curious, but I take it Reimu is psychic?

[Assassin89]

I vote Alice, because Marisa needs to start stealing precious things.

[SephlidJam]

Alice, because dolls are fun. (Chen's pretty much the new Ratatta, and Mystia's the new Pidgey).

Although, I have to admit that this game always surprised me with the variety of 'mons available on the first route.

[Cogwheel]

Alice, because dolls are fun. (Chen's pretty much the new Ratatta, and Mystia's the new Pidgey).

Although, I have to admit that this game always surprised me with the variety of 'mons available on the first route.

That's... odd.

I would have thought the most natural Ratatta candidate would be, y'know, Nazrin. Of course, I stand by my years-long claim of Raticates being tiny, fluffy, angry gods of war >_>

[Prime32]

I would have thought the most natural Ratatta candidate would be, y'know, Nazrin. Of course, I stand by my years-long claim of Raticates being tiny, fluffy, angry gods of war >_>Let's not forget
"Raticate used Super Fang! Enemy Shuckle took 9999 damage!"
or "Lv.100 Mewtwo used Psychic! Lv.2 Rattata hung on with Focus Sash! Rattata used Endeavour! Rattata used Quick Attack! Enemy Mewtwo fainted!"

[UglyPanda]

That's... odd.

I would have thought the most natural Ratatta candidate would be, y'know, Nazrin. Of course, I stand by my years-long claim of Raticates being tiny, fluffy, angry gods of war >_>A quick check of the Touhou wiki shows Touhoumon lacks characters after Subterranean Animism. It was probably made before Undefined Fantastic Object.

So no Kogasa either...

Oh well, I didn't have time to play it anyway.

[Rolaran]

Actually, I think this version does have UFO characters. I was pretty sure I saw Nue in one of the E4 videos I found on Youtube.

Then again there's so many permutations of this game, who can say?

Also, +1 for Alice. C'mon, dual battle MALICE Cannon? Can't pass that up.

[SparkMandriller]

A quick check of the Touhou wiki shows Touhoumon lacks characters after Subterranean Animism. It was probably made before Undefined Fantastic Object.

because y'know it's not like the last update had a screenshot of nazrin or anything is it

[UglyPanda]

The wiki is a bit outdated and incomplete, it seems.

And I have the memory of a goat*, it's no big deal.

However, the original game did predate UFO.

*Because I can't remember whether goldfish are supposed to have a good memory or not.

[Tome]

+1 for Alice.

MALICE Cannon away!

[Toric]

+1 for Suwako's hat.

[Neon Knight]

I'll throw in a vote for Nazrin.

[Mirrinus]

Hmm, another somewhat close vote between 2 options. Keep going, lol.

Interesting note about Alice is that she has a total of 4 different final evolutions and 2 different second stage evolutions, Windows version and PC-98 version. If you're voting for Alice, it might be a good idea to tell me which of the final forms I should go for, as it takes some preliminary planning to ensure I get it, factoring in IVs and ability.

The default EX version of Alice has very well-balanced stats with some emphasis on Special Attack and Special Defense.

B(each) Alice evolves with a Water Stone and is Water/Ice type, as opposed to Psychic/Ice like every other version of Alice. Statistically, she's built more for sweeping, trading Defense for more Special and Speed. Also, a more fanservice-y sprite (Alice in a swimsuit). Yeah, I have no idea what the creator was thinking...

The F(inal) version of Alice comes from the doujin Marisa Fantasy (Final Fantasy parody). Her stats are heavily geared towards tanking, with very high HP, Defense, and Special Defense, and average Special Attack. Also has a notably higher combined stat total than the previous two stage 3 evolutions. This version evolves from the PC-98 Alice (all others evolve from Windows Alice).

Then there's the LW (Last Word) version of Alice, which is almost a Game Breaker with its 600 combined stat total. Exceptional stats for sweeping, but has the lowest HP and defenses out of all the forms (still just a little below average overall). Evolves from a Sun Stone, which normally isn't available until the end of the game, so I probably won't have access to this for a long time.

Or you guys can skip the choice altogether and pick Suwako, who knows...

Also, any suggestions for nicknames? I've decided that in the event of a tie, the tiebreaker will be decided by which character's nicknames I like the best.

[Terraoblivion]

If it ends up being Alice i vote for the fanservice version. Marisa needs to see just how precious a thing there is for her to steal.

[Prime32]

If it ends up being Alice i vote for the fanservice version. Marisa needs to see just how precious a thing there is for her to steal....is it virginity or something? :smallconfused:

[Oslecamo]

The clear answer is to capture 4 of them and get all the evolutions of course.

[tonberrian]

The clear answer is to capture 4 of them and get all the evolutions of course.

This person speaks truth.

[Assassin89]

I would prefer the regular Ex version of Alice, because stealing a precious thing is funnier when it is not too obvious. As for a nickname for Alice, how about Shinku, after one of the dolls from Rozen Maiden?

[Drascin]

I'd honestly vote Nazrin. Because I like the crew of UFO the most by far - when you come across Shou or Byakuren, I really hope you make a spot for them in the team. But it seems the thing is already decided for Alice.

[Terraoblivion]

Eh, i am still voting for Suwako, i just stated my preference should Alice end up being chosen.

And the UFO crew might be awesome, but i just don't really know them. For what it's worth i like what i read about Nazrin on tvtropes.

[Drascin]

Eh, i am still voting for Suwako, i just stated my preference should Alice end up being chosen.

And the UFO crew might be awesome, but i just don't really know them. For what it's worth i like what i read about Nazrin on tvtropes.

Well, go play UFO then, Terra :smalltongue:. It's one of my favorite Touhou games, probably straight after the two Shoot the Bullet games.

I can fill you in on the characters, though. As said, UFO was the first game that added more than one or two characters to my "favorites" list :smallbiggrin:.

[Tengu_temp]

Couldn't you get both Suwako and Alice? Too hard for me to choose!

[Terraoblivion]

I'd love to be filled in on the characters, but i don't have the motor skills to play Touhou games. So i will not go ahead and play the game.

[Shiva asori]

Add a vote for alice, any form.

[Rolaran]

My Alice vote will be retrofitted to a Final-Alice vote, and for a nickname I suggest "Doll Wall". Seems to fit a tanky character.

By the way, thanks for the link, now I've started playing this. Just recently beat Brock, now onto Mt. Moon, which is where most attempts I have made to finish a Pokemon game stopped. I always get lost, end up wandering around, and there's only so many times you can run into another Geodude before you ragequit. Maybe the novelty of it being a Tenshi will be enough to keep me around this time...

[Neon Knight]

I'm also actually playing this as well, with a Reimu I named Protagonis(t). Can't seem to find a Nazrin, though. Where did you encounter one? Just along Route 2? I found ever single other Touhou you encountered except Nazrin.

[Mirrinus]

Nazrin is extremely rare, but she appears on route 1. Make sure you're playing the latest version of Aqua's patch.

Looks like I'll be picking up Alice, but still no word on which evolution to take. If anyone wants to vote to decide, speak now. Otherwise, I'll either leave it for later or decide myself.

Currently wrapping up a big biology computer modeling project that's worth 100% of my grade, but I'll be done soon. I'll get started on the new segment tonight.

[JeminiZero]

I would prefer the regular Ex version of Alice, because stealing a precious thing is funnier when it is not too obvious. As for a nickname for Alice, how about Shinku, after one of the dolls from Rozen Maiden?

No, no, no. You got it the wrong way around. In Rozen Maiden, Shinku was trying to become Alice. :smalltongue:

[Mirrinus]

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 1-3

After careful deliberation, I've decided on the cute little puppeteer with the book to add to my team. I immediately set out to capture one, and did not come away empty-handed.


http://i40.tinypic.com/104ndk9.jpg

Well now, that was easy. The 5th Rozen Maiden doll will make a fine addition to my team. Incidentally, we're not getting a 3rd season of it, are we? Bummer, I could have used more Desu.

Remembering the fancy new device that Professor Oak just gave me, I whipped it out and saw what it had to say about my newest partner.


http://i39.tinypic.com/9kv60n.jpg

Feeling energized by my latest accomplishment, I decided to grab a few more Touhoumon in the area for my collection. You know, just in case there are random people that require me to have reached a certain quota in order to give me something. Random, I know, but stranger things have happened.


http://i40.tinypic.com/1z4wkjo.jpg

Afterwards, I let Shinku out to play for a few rounds, to get her up to speed with where I want my team to be.


http://i39.tinypic.com/2dkxssm.jpg

Shinku learned a new technique, using thread to manipulate and confuse her opponents. Satisfied with her progress, I headed out to a new area, given that I don't really know where I'm suppose to go anyway. I mean, Professor Oak couldn't have given any vaguer instructions than "Hey, go fill up this notebook!"


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Lo and behold, Renko was waiting for me on Route 22. She helpfully explained that this path lead to the Indigo Plateau, but entrance is denied to anyone who does not possess 8 gym leader badges. So...why do I want to defeat them again? Oh well, I guess it's a fun challenge that'll make this vacation memorable.

Renko seemed eager to see how much stronger my Touhoumon have become since we parted ways all of fifteen minutes ago, so I gladly agreed to her duel.


http://i44.tinypic.com/o8ibvc.jpg

Renko lead off with a new Touhoumon that I don't think I've seen before, although it does look kind of familiar. I responded in kind with the newcomer to my team, Shinku.


http://i44.tinypic.com/2ponrso.jpg

Renko's chibi Aya was fast, and started things off with an annoying cloud of sand. Shinku countered with her doll strings, tangling the speedy opponent and made little imaginary birds fly around the bird's head...whatever that means. Despite the confusion setting in, the chibi Aya kept speeding up more and more. This isn't going to end like one of those Roadrunner cartoons, is it?


http://i44.tinypic.com/fn6cmt.jpg

Apparently, the feathered roadkill doesn't always get the last laugh. Unable to fight off the confusion and only succeeding in landing a single blow, Renko's chibi Aya stumbled too much from its disorientation. Shinku delivered the coup de grace shortly afterwards.


http://i41.tinypic.com/24wt3z9.jpg

Shinku earned lots of experience points for her effort, but it wasn't time to celebrate just yet. Renko's old starter showed up to rain on our parade.


http://i44.tinypic.com/2zt8xgn.jpg

Employing the same tactics as before, Shinku managed to weaken Renko's chibi Sakuya quite a bit. While hovering precariously over the precipice of defeat, the fortuitous confusion of our opponent gave Shinku just the opportunity to finish this battle for good! Now all we have to do is-


http://i40.tinypic.com/2ilkosi.jpg

What? Ah right, yes, the sand-attack from earlier...I hate being shot by Chekhov's Gun. Breaking free from the confusion spell, the chibi Sakuya wasted no time with her swift retaliation.


http://i42.tinypic.com/av4j1l.jpg

Of course, our revenge was just as swift and brutal. Magical Mary had no problems mopping up this contest.


http://i39.tinypic.com/11iemoy.jpg

And to the victor go the spoils. Renko bid me farewell as she set off to go challenge the gym leaders of this region, and encouraged me to do the same. I guess that's something to stave off boredom. It's probably more exciting than helping a creepy old man complete his encyclopedia collection.


http://i41.tinypic.com/244ppgh.jpg

After the fight, I noticed that Magical Mary picked up an item. I wonder where she gets them from? Ah well, nothing wrong with a little looting here and there.

Seeing that I could proceed no further along Route 22, I instead turned north towards Viridian Forest in the distance. However, before I could leave the city I was stopped by another creepy old man.


http://i39.tinypic.com/vso0w6.jpg

Apparently, this old man's hearing aid was out of batteries, as he just couldn't hear me at all no matter how many times I told him I already knew how to catch Touhoumon, and in fact have caught a few already. Actually, maybe he did hear me, and is still insisting on showing me something anyway. Ew...that's kind of disturbing. Help! Someone! There's a molester on the loose here!


http://i39.tinypic.com/rlgimg.jpg

Absolutely not. All you did was throw your balls at a little girl. Which makes me think you're a molester all the more. I'm going to run away now, and if you follow, Magical Mary will shock you to kingdom come.

Needing to soak my mind in some brain bleach after meeting the old man, I turned to a completely unrelated task: sampling the local wildlife. Here are a few of the new Touhoumon I've found near Viridian City.


http://i44.tinypic.com/riclj9.jpg

Before I venture into the Viridian Forest, perhaps I ought to bolster my team a bit? Or I could continue as I am right now, since I'm sure other opportunities will present themselves later down the line. Ah well, time to let someone else make that decision!

Here's the next vote! To help things out a bit, I'm going to give a brief description of the character as well. Remember, tiebreakers are decided by which nickname I like the best.

A. Sanae Kotiya (Grass/Water, tank-ish stats, Serene Grace hax)
B. Medicine Melancholy (Grass/Poison, annoyer/Toxic tank)
C. Momiji Inubashiri (Normal, physical sweeper)
D. Ran Yakumo (Ground > Ground/Psychic, mixed sweeper)
E. Yukari Yakumo (Psychic, dedicated tank)
F. None of the above

Technically, Ran is on Route 2 on the road to Viridian Forest, not Route 22, but I included her here since the next batch will be bigger anyway. Also, I'll probably go with B(each) Alice because 1) Doll Master is terrible as an ability, but BAlice replaces it with Water Absorb when it evolves; 2) I've never used BAlice before, but I have used both EX Alice and Final Alice; and 3) This will ensure I'll have someone to use Surf on my main team.

[Cogwheel]

On one hand, Sanae would be an excellent way to deal with ground-types.

On the other hand, Yukari is, I believe, supposed to be absurdly powerful fluff-wise. Plus, you can probably use a tank.

In conclusion, I vote for Suwako :smalltongue:

[Terraoblivion]

Go for Yukari. You haven't messed around with complex scientific or philosophical topics enough, so someone who can control any and all boundaries should remedy this. Also Yukari is neat in general.

Alternatively go for Ran, i just like multitailed foxes for some reason. Also being the caretaker of the probably most powerful being in Gensokyo doesn't seem like good training for being an effective touhoumon.

And really the whole thing about capturing little girls, really does give a creepy rapist vibe when you think about it. Like think more about it than just accepting it as Pokemon with Touhou characters.

Finally, Chibi Aya is soooooo cute. *squees*

[Rolaran]

I vote for Medicine, Alice needs a doll. As for nickname, I recommend Toxic Barb.

...what? Lethally Toxic Barbie doesn't fit, and besides, you wanna get sued by Mattel?

[Tengu_temp]

Tengu bondage? Kinky. And it's so fitting that Marisa has the Thief ability.

I vote for Yukari.

[Assassin89]

I vote for Sanae or Medicine because you might want a water or grass type to take down the masochist.

As for nicknames:

Sanae: Mir hax
Medicine: Bradbury, after the author of Medicine for Melancholy

[Cogwheel]

I have nothing but rage and hate for Sanae. Why?

I don't think of her as a character. Only as the rampaging dispenser of death that is the level 5 boss. Those stars.

[SparkMandriller]

But Sanae is the easiest stage 5 boss.

Well, maybe she's tied with Reisen for that. But she's still extremely easy.

[Cogwheel]

But Sanae is the easiest stage 5 boss.

Well, maybe she's tied with Reisen for that. But she's still extremely easy.

Is she? Some of the spell cards seemed horribly evil, but maybe that's just an extension of that entire game having some... less than ideal mechanics.

And yes, Reisen is a joke. Not sure who the worst stage 5 boss would be. Toss-up between Youmu and Shou, for me. Oh, and Rin.

[Neon Knight]

I vote for Yukari, merely because I hope you'll have as much trouble catching her as I've had. Suffering makes for a good LP.

[Shiva asori]

I'll vote for Ran or Yukari, because we would like to have a psychic type, I'm guessing.

[SparkMandriller]

Is she? Some of the spell cards seemed horribly evil, but maybe that's just an extension of that entire game having some... less than ideal mechanics.

Well, I dunno. Mountain of Faith sucks so I've never really gotten around to playing it on lunatic. But on hard? Sucks.
Non card 1, just sit still shooting her, then around a little then shoot her some more. Maybe if you take a while she'll shoot some easy to dodge little balls at you, oh no.
Card 1, dodge though the gaps between the incredibly slowly moving bullets. This is kind of a pain, admittedly, because it's fiddly as hell, but it's not really hard. Maybe fake hard.
Non card 2, okay, yeah, this is annoying, but only because you can get yourself walled real easy. But who cares, it's MoF, you can just bomb anyway! It's a non card, so you'll get rewarded for bombing, because MoF is terrible! Woo!
Card 2. See where lasers are going to go. Sit still. Dodge a little to avoid ball. See where next set of lasers are going to go. Sit still. THIS CARD IS TERRIBLE.
Non card 3. Dodge left. Dodge right. Maybe you can go up and down while you do! Wooooo!
Card 3. Dodge left and right under her. Most of her shots are aimed right at you, so they'll just fly right past. If you see ones that are wide enough to still hit you, stand still instead. so they fly right past. And, y'know, don't hang out on the far left/right side of the screen! Like, uh, you never do, because there's no point. BUT DON'T START NOW
Non card 4. It's like non card 3, except easier! :/
Card 4. Oh look, it's card 1 again. More fiddly dodging through tiny gaps! Screw involving strategy or thought or y'know anything, let's just make things fiddly! Everyone enjoys that, just like everyone enjoys threading needles. I guess this one is probably her hardest attack, but it still sucks.
Card 5. Move left. Move right. Move left again. Move right again. Wonder why I'm not playing a good game. Quit and then whine on the internet.

So yeah Sanae sucks. She doesn't even have a proper ridiculously frilly outfit/hat like a proper Touhou should. I guess Deathsmiles came out that year too, maybe Windia hijacked the shipment of dresses or something.

[kamikasei]

If I'm counting characters correctly, I say you should go with Ran. And nickname her "Believe it!"

[Terraoblivion]

Oh, god, yes. Most obnoxious Ran ever. You have to go with that.

[Toric]

I fully support this kitsune-based lunacy! Ran for the win!

[SephlidJam]

My vote is Sanae, because screw you Brock.

[Mirrinus]

Thanks for the ideas, folks. One in particular sounded quite interesting to me, and I'd definitely try to explore it to make this Let's Play more interesting. Just allow me to take some liberties with the game's story.

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 1-4

After some thought, I decided on going for the kitsune for my team, as I was struck by the rod of inspiration for choosing its nickname. After all, wouldn't it be funny to start every battle with "Go! Believe it!"?


http://i44.tinypic.com/205wlg9.jpg

Afterwards, I replenished my supply of Toho Orbs before looking for a few more additions for my Ayanote.


http://i44.tinypic.com/jh7sao.jpg

While doing this, though, something was bugging me. I think it may have been my conscience, or maybe it was just a lingering sense of being creeped out by that old man earlier. It really made me stop and take a look at what I was doing: capturing little girls and training them to fight. Yes, I realize they're technically magical puppets (or something along those lines), but a part of my mind was still nagging me. I did my best to surpress it for now, as I wanted to let Believe it! catch up to the rest of my team. (I'm compulsive like that.)


http://i44.tinypic.com/2072vtg.jpg

Once I felt ready, it was time to enter the Viridian Forest.


http://i39.tinypic.com/9tg0gk.jpg

According to the locals, fairies were a common sight in this forest. Actually, from what I've heard fairies were a common sight everywhere in Gensokyo, but I guess times have changed when Touhoumon began supplanting the local wildlife. Still fascinating, though.


http://i40.tinypic.com/66j6n5.jpg

While examining the new Touhoumon in the area and finding all sorts of useful loot just lying around for no reason, I kept getting approached by little boys with insect nets. Honestly, do people in this world have no concept of personal space?


http://i40.tinypic.com/zj9hu1.jpg

Just as I expected, it was amazingly fun starting the battle off with "Believe it!"


http://i42.tinypic.com/24exrmc.jpg

Believe it! did a good job fighting off the boy's collection of fairies, but it did kind of disturb me to see him treat his Touhoumon so callously against an obviously superior opponent. Are they really no more than pets?


http://i39.tinypic.com/axdy0i.jpg

This forest was apparently crawling with just as many boys with no sense of personal space as it was with fairies. There was something about a bunch of little boys playing with fairies that seemed rather unsettling. Trying to shake off the feeling, I had Shinku waste his complete set of mischievous fairies quickly.


http://i39.tinypic.com/24v1cnd.jpg

This next young lad gave me more trouble, though. While his chibi Sunny Milk and chibi Star Sapphire succumbed quickly to Magical Mary's thundershock, his electric-type chibi Luna Child was a tougher customer. The match devolved into a slugfest of weak physical strikes, with Magical Mary emerging victorious but injured. I knew I was near the next town, so I made a beeline for the exit, knowing that Magical Mary needed to be healed ASAP. However, these fairy catching boys just wouldn't leave me alone. You'd think that in a world populated with Touhoumon, they'd have been used to seeing girls by now.


http://i44.tinypic.com/5mepkx.jpg

Angered by this interruption, I made sure to show him no mercy. After a brief and victorious battle, I was free to be on my way. I was very much aware that my Touhoumon needed some medical assistance, but before I could leave something remarkable happened to me.

Once again, I was stopped by someone, but I could tell that he was no random fairy catcher. He was a young man with spiky red hair and a cape, who asked me to show him my Touhoumon. Guaging him to not be a threat, I obeyed. Reaching down, he touched each of them and closed his eyes. To my astonishment, my Touhoumon were all healed by his touch, their injuries from those prior battles disappearing before my eyes. Naturally, I just had to ask how he was doing this.

"Do you know much about the Viridian Forest?" he said. "Viridian means an emerald hue, deep and rich. It's a vast and lush forest with a mystical power to it. It is said that once every few years, a child here is born possessing the mysterious powers of the forest. And indeed...I am one who possesses those powers."

He explained to me that the power of the Viridian Forest allowed him to both heal Touhoumon on contact with his own energy and to telepathically understand these creatures. Fascinated by his abilities, I asked him to tell me more. However, I was not prepared for what he told me next.

"When I was a small child, I remember finding an injured Touhoumon in the wild. She was dying from the waste being spewed as a result of Gensokyo's industrial revolution. As I held her in my arms, I felt the pain and anger she felt because of humanity. Treated as mere pets, slaves, or worse, these creatures have been oppressed for far too long. Every two-bit hack who calls himself a trainer can just capture them in droves and mistreat them with no repercussions. Ask yourself, would YOU like to be a pet kept locked up by a thoughtless trainer?"

"Aren't you a trainer, too?" I asked. "Are you saying we should just stop?"

"No, that's not it," he responded. "Touhoumon can grow and reach potentials never attainable in the wild when paired with strong and trustworthy humans. However, such humans number to a precious few. All other people are just trash. What about you?"

I didn't know what to say to his question, but he continued speaking all the same.

"My allies and I long for a Gensokyo cleansed of humanity's arrogance, where all Touhoumon can live in freedom. If you wish to join us, come to the Indigo Plateau. To gain admittance, though, you'll need to collect all 8 badges from the gym leaders in the land. Think of it as a test."

With that, he turned to leave, never so much as giving me his name. While walking away, he left me with a final warning.

"Be kind to your Touhoumon. We'll be watching you."

Stunned by this unexpected conversation, I slowly continued to the next town, my mind trying to process what I had just heard.


http://i44.tinypic.com/wujygw.jpg

Not thinking about where I was going, I tried to pass through the city and continue on the road, but a random person just grabbed me and dragged me to the town gym. Hey, didn't that Viridian Forest man tell me to challenge the gyms as a test? Looks like I ought to stick around in town for this first. But a gym battle would surely be a whole different world compared to the amateur fairy catchers I've faced thus far. I'll need some serious preparation before I'm ready.


http://i40.tinypic.com/16j6n7.jpg

Looking around town, I saw the Pewter City Museum and tucked it away in my mind for future viewing. In a stroke of good fortune, I also met an old woman who had sympathy for my journey and offered to give me a Touhoumon that I've never even seen before. Looks like I'll have plenty of things on my plate for tomorrow. But for now, it's time for me to call it a day, and what a day it's been.

All right...yet another vote!

A. Sunny Milk (Fire, balanced tank/annoyer)
B. Luna Child (Electric, special sweeper)
C. Star Sapphire (Water, special sponge)
D. Wriggle Nightbug (Bug, cleric)
E. Nitori Kawashiro (Water > Water/Electric, Thunderdance special sweeper)
F. Hatate Himekaidou (Flying > Flying/Psychic, special sweeper)
G. (None of the above)

BTW, great call on Ran's nickname, as I'm laughing every time it pops up on-screen with an exclaimation mark. I think I'll make Ran a dedicated physical sweeper (the adamant nature wasn't enough of a clue?) since we're lacking in the physical department right now, and Ran doesn't really get any other good special attacks besides Psychic.

I wonder how many people will get the big honking reference I inserted into the story. Should be good fun to see how this plays out (I haven't even planned everything out yet).

[Drascin]

I'd love to be filled in on the characters, but i don't have the motor skills to play Touhou games. So i will not go ahead and play the game.

Hey, I was born with like 6 dexterity and I manage :smalltongue:. But okay, if you don't like the games, I'll make sure to write up a bit on the characters soon as I get back from this afternoon's game to fill you in - if your only contact with the characters are doujins, yeah, you'll probably not know all that much about them, since they don't lend themselves to the standard doujin fare unless brutally derailed, and so there's not that many things of them. And I'm not sure why, but lately the Touhou fandom seems to be less enthused about creating new Alice Cases :smalltongue:. Which in this case makes me happy, mind.


All right...yet another vote!

A. Sunny Milk (Fire, balanced tank/annoyer)
B. Luna Child (Electric, special sweeper)
C. Star Sapphire (Water, special sponge)
D. Wriggle Nightbug (Bug, cleric)
E. Nitori Kawashiro (Water > Water/Electric, Thunderdance special sweeper)
F. Hatate Himekaidou (Flying > Flying/Psychic, special sweeper)
G. (None of the above)

BTW, great call on Ran's nickname, as I'm laughing every time it pops up on-screen with an exclaimation mark. I think I'll make Ran a dedicated physical sweeper (the adamant nature wasn't enough of a clue?) since we're lacking in the physical department right now, and Ran doesn't really get any other good special attacks besides Psychic.

I wonder how many people will get the big honking reference I inserted into the story. Should be good fun to see how this plays out (I haven't even planned everything out yet).

I could have sworn there were wild CYamames in that forest as well in the patch version I played, and that was what I intended to vote. Yamame is, after all, awesome. Of the above... go with Sunny Milk. I love the Three Fairies, and you already will have BAlice for surfing so Star isn't all that needed.

[Cubey]

This thing already has Hatate?

Get.

[Aldgar]

I think there's chibimarisa in the viridian forest as well.

Quite rare, though...

[kamikasei]

I don't recognize the fairies at all, and Hatate is necessarily inferior to Aya (because AYA IS SUPERIOR), so I'll say Nitori. Simply because Magical Mary needs to continue befriending her canonical harem.

Bear in mind that this suggestion is made in total ignorance of either Pokemon or Touhoumon mechanics. Hatate may well be the superior choice as we already have Water types (don't we?) but no fliers that I recall.

[Cogwheel]

I am amazed that Cirno wasn't available in the faerie forest. Now, I have a question. What do you mean by "cleric"? Is Wriggle a healer? Because if that's the case, healers are few and far between in Pokemon, and thus incredibly valuable.

[Drascin]

I don't recognize the fairies at all, and Hatate is necessarily inferior to Aya (because AYA IS SUPERIOR), so I'll say Nitori. Simply because Magical Mary needs to continue befriending her canonical harem.

The fact that so few people have read the Three Fairies' comics always makes me sad. They're actually funny, and they're written by ZUN and everything, so they're actually canon too. I always wonder why :smallfrown:.

[Assassin89]

What is Lance from Pokemon Special doing in Gensokyo?

I vote for Wriggle with the nickname of Souseiseki if female or Ackbar if it turns out to be male.

[Terraoblivion]

I am going to go with Drascin's recommendation since i don't really know any of these ones very well. I'll go with Sunny Milk as well. And Drascin if you can point me in the right direction, i'd love to read those comics.

And i think you underestimate my clumsiness. I managed to fail PE and after two months in China, i still regularly drop food when trying to eat it with a chopstick. And just as importantly, i just don't have the patience to develop the kind of skill needed to complete a Touhou game. I like the characters, but the gameplay is not much to my taste.

[Prime32]

I am amazed that Cirno wasn't available in the faerie forest. Now, I have a question. What do you mean by "cleric"? Is Wriggle a healer? Because if that's the case, healers are few and far between in Pokemon, and thus incredibly valuable.Chansey/Blissey is hax (highest possible hp + Softboiled (http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Softboiled_%28move%29) = never need a Pokémon Centre again). If Wriggle's the Touhoumon version of Chansey, get it.

Also. (http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/3/32/151moemon.png)

[Neon Knight]

Pokemon Special? In my our Let's Play?

I vote for Wriggle.

[Mirrinus]

I think there's chibimarisa in the viridian forest as well.

Quite rare, though...

Chibi Marisa is indeed available in the forest. However, since we've already voted on it, and since I already have one on my team, I chose to omit it.


Now, I have a question. What do you mean by "cleric"? Is Wriggle a healer? Because if that's the case, healers are few and far between in Pokemon, and thus incredibly valuable.

"Cleric" usually referes to a Heal Bell/Aromatherapy user, which are typically very rare. Wriggle and Mystia are the only two Touhoumon that learn Heal Bell as far as I know, although I haven't checked every moveset yet.

[Cogwheel]

A vote for Wriggle, then. Or, failing that, Nitori. For more dakka, not to mention getting past the gym of cruel and unusual first boss fights (yes, Brock has been immortalized as a particularly angry childhood memory, along with that bug gym leader in gold/silver and his mantis RAEGE).

Sorry, where were we?

[Prime32]

I anger more easily at Roark. Brock went down pretty easily to my Bulbasaur, but that Cranidos...

Highest attack power of any unevolved Pokémon, no secondary type (so no 4x weaknesses), high Speed and Headbutt.

[Mirrinus]

I anger more easily at Roark. Brock went down pretty easily to my Bulbasaur, but that Cranidos...

Highest attack power of any unevolved Pokémon, no secondary type (so no 4x weaknesses), high Speed and Headbutt.

You have not see the many levels in Badass that Brock (and every other gym leader) has taken for Touhoumon. Just you wait.

[Cogwheel]

I anger more easily at Roark. Brock went down pretty easily to my Bulbasaur, but that Cranidos...

Highest attack power of any unevolved Pokémon, no secondary type (so no 4x weaknesses), high Speed and Headbutt.

Wait, what? Sorry, I haven't played a thing since gold/silver. Or is Cranidos some old pokemon that I forgot about?

[Mirrinus]

Wait, what? Sorry, I haven't played a thing since gold/silver. Or is Cranidos some old pokemon that I forgot about?

Cranidos is 4th generation, Diamond/Pearl/Platinum.

I do love Heal Bell, but the thing is, it's not really all that necessary in a game where I'm still allowed to use items mid-battle (this isn't competitive netbattle, after all). Personally, I think it's more of just a novelty to have, with the added benefit of being useful for removing multiple status effects at once.

Or maybe we should add a stipulation for no item use during battle? I already have a self-imposed Set battle style only anyway. That would make Heal Bell a whole lot more valuable.

In other news, remember what I said in the first post about how the type chart was also changed for this game? Yeah...I should probably mention that among other things, rock-types lost their weakness to both water and ground. Just one more reason why Brock is much, much harder now.

[Drascin]

I am going to go with Drascin's recommendation since i don't really know any of these ones very well. I'll go with Sunny Milk as well. And Drascin if you can point me in the right direction, i'd love to read those comics.

No problem at all! Info below, spoilered to avoid huge derail. As you know, I'm a tad too wordy for my own good at times :smallredface:.

ZUN has made three lines of comics.

The Three Mischievous Fairies follows the adventures of three perfectly normal, weak fairies (the kind that look to Cirno as a kind of World Heavyweight Champion and are terrified of even thinking of fighting her three-on-one) doing little pranks and going around in their life. It helps show a bit of Gensokyo's simple daily life - it's not laugh-out-loud funny or anything, but more a kind of "Gensokyan slice of life" style, in a way... only with fairies :smallbiggrin:. There have been two issues of it, Eastern Little Nature Deity and Strange and Bright Nature Deity. I'm having a hell of a time finding the last chapters scanlated, but they have the first ones at Mangafox, even if translation is sketchy - a quick search of Touhou (http://www.mangafox.com/search.php?name_method=cw&name=touhou&direction=&author_method=cw&author=&artist_method=cw&artist=&genres[Action]=0&genres[Adventure]=0&genres[Comedy]=0&genres[Doujinshi]=0&genres[Drama]=0&genres[Ecchi]=0&genres[Fantasy]=0&genres[Gender+Bender]=0&genres[Harem]=0&genres[Historical]=0&genres[Horror]=0&genres[Josei]=0&genres[Martial+Arts]=0&genres[Mecha]=0&genres[Mystery]=0&genres[One+Shot]=0&genres[Psychological]=0&genres[Romance]=0&genres[School+Life]=0&genres[Sci-fi]=0&genres[Seinen]=0&genres[Shoujo]=0&genres[Shoujo+Ai]=0&genres[Shounen]=0&genres[Shounen+Ai]=0&genres[Slice+of+Life]=0&genres[Sports]=0&genres[Supernatural]=0&genres[Tragedy]=0&released_method=eq&released=&rating_method=eq&rating=&is_completed=&advopts=0) gives us Touhou Sangatsusei, which is the name of the series. Oriental Sacred Place goes later, but you'll notice it's left mid-translation, sadly, and with Gensokyo.org's gallery down I dunno where to re-get them. I'll get back to you.

Inaba of the Moon and Inaba of the Earth is a series of 4-koma comics in the vein of Azumanga Daioh, but starring, as its name indicates, Reisen Udongein Inaba and Tewi Inaba - the rabbit of the moon, and the rabbit of the Earth. Pretty funny in many places, and even as a kind of nonserious omake it does give you a bit of a feel for the life in Eientei (poor Reisen...). The link is here (http://www.mangafox.com/manga/inaba_of_the_moon_inaba_of_the_earth/). It's completed already, but the latest couple chapters had cameos from the new characters from...

Silent Sinner in Blue, the latest Touhou manga, and an attempt by ZUN for a more continuous storyline. However, this comic is, well... let's just say it's more or less an instant flamewar in every Touhou forum just to mention it. With horrid pacing, the introduction of new characters Watatstuki no Yorihime and Watatsuki no Toyohime (who were highly disliked in the fandom almost instantly, and then proceeded to kick the collective asses of the whole main character ensemble without breaking a sweat to much fan outrage), and a chapter publishing schedule that would make Kentaro Miura ashamed, there are many who believe this manga was pretty much a troll by ZUN to his more hardcore fanbase. I personally just find it annoying, because it is true you could cut almost half the chapters from it and not lose anything really important, but not rage inducing - the ending just makes up for the boring middle chapters in my mind. However, I leave you a link here (http://www.mangafox.com/manga/touhou_bougetsushou_silent_sinner_in_blue/) so you can see for yourself if you wish.



And i think you underestimate my clumsiness. I managed to fail PE and after two months in China, i still regularly drop food when trying to eat it with a chopstick. And just as importantly, i just don't have the patience to develop the kind of skill needed to complete a Touhou game. I like the characters, but the gameplay is not much to my taste.

And it's perfectly alright if it isn't. I just was saying that being clumsy isn't really all that big an obstacle if you really love the gameplay, since I am fairly clumsy myself and go around 1CCing most of them pretty well (except SA. That game is evil) after some practice :smallwink:.

[The Dark Fiddler]

Or maybe we should add a stipulation for no item use during battle? I already have a self-imposed Set battle style only anyway. That would make Heal Bell a whole lot more valuable.

If you're looking for self-imposed challenge, I say go with Hard Mode (http://www.nuzlocke.com/?p=4).

[Terraoblivion]

Unless a self-imposed hard mode will make the game significantly more fun for you, i'd say to skip it. It is more fun to vote on the Touhou characters you like than to have to carefully balance who is best and most useful in a given case.

[Mirrinus]

Well, I usually refrain from ever using items in battle unless absolutely necessary (too used to netbattle), so playing without items in battle is pretty standard for me. Don't think I'll be doing "hard mode", though, as that challenge was designed for a game with much, much easier bosses. And excessive level grinding isn't fun to watch.

Speaking of which, there is a Lunatic version of Touhoumon that makes the game ridiculously hard. To give you an idea of how bad it is, from what I've seen Brock requires a team at level 30+ to defeat.

[Cogwheel]

Unless a self-imposed hard mode will make the game significantly more fun for you, i'd say to skip it.

What Terra said. Also, in that case, get a grass type. Quickly.

[Mirrinus]

What Terra said. Also, in that case, get a grass type. Quickly.

One of Wriggle's evolutions (the one I'll probably end up using) is Bug/Grass, but she's not exactly built to special sweep. I'll probably end up using her as one would use Vileplume or Delcatty: Heal Bell/Aromatherapy, a status move, a self-recovery move, and a STAB attack.

[Cogwheel]

One of Wriggle's evolutions (the one I'll probably end up using) is Bug/Grass, but she's not exactly built to special sweep. I'll probably end up using her as one would use Vileplume or Delcatty: Heal Bell/Aromatherapy, a status move, a self-recovery move, and a STAB attack.

See, the way I would use them would be to leave them back in the computer while using a selection of high-tier sweepers and no concept of subtlety.

In short, I'll leave being Sun Tzu to you, since this is apparently harder than normal Pokemon.

[Oslecamo]

Kinda off-topic but...Starcraft 2 Touhou! (http://www.youtube.com/user/HuskyStarcraft#p/u/7/ah3XmjlhgJw)

[Mirrinus]

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 1-5

Let's welcome our latest addition to the team, the star of lapis lazuli, Souseiseki!


http://i41.tinypic.com/2556qzc.jpg

Wrapping things up in the Viridian Forest, I continued to capture the other new Touhoumon for the Ayanote. Doing so kind of bothered me, though. I mean, I probably wouldn't like it either if I were sealed in a ball and shoved into a PC to be forgotten. Perhaps I ought to just let them go after catching and getting the data.


http://i44.tinypic.com/1zfk074.jpg

I also took the opportunity to round up the remaining straggler of a trainer in the forest. Honestly, the more these kids pester me, the more I'm starting to see the red-haired stranger's point.


http://i42.tinypic.com/2s9c66q.jpg

After getting these side events out of the way, it was time to look forward to my next challenge: conquering the Pewter City gym. But before I was ready for the challenge, I decided I needed some more preparation. So...

Training montage!


http://i43.tinypic.com/9giyww.jpg

This being my first visit to a gym, I wasn't really too sure what to expect, but it never hurts to be prepared. If I wanted to see that red-haired stranger from the forest again, I'll have to visit several more places like this too.

As soon as I entered, I was stopped by a boy who was clearly not a unified physics major.


http://i43.tinypic.com/9giyww.jpg

He was also clearly not a particularly competant battler, wasting all his turns on uses stat-down moves without giving himself enough time to follow it up.


http://i44.tinypic.com/6jh74g.jpg

His next Touhoumon was much more difficult to deal with, though. Chibi Letty may have wasted a few turns with more stat-changing moves, but it had the defenses and type combination to endure our attacks. A quick and effective Tremor was lights out for poor Souseiseki.


http://i40.tinypic.com/2mrczn8.jpg

Fittingly enough, Shinku picked up from where Souseiseki left off, and gave the kid a lesson in astronomical units.


http://i43.tinypic.com/ztgeb9.jpg

A quick trip to the Eirin Center, and I was ready for the main event. At this point, I could make some lame pun about rocks, but I think I'll refrain. It's about time I wrapped up this chapter. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJluZbu92so)

My apologies for the video audio being a bit out of sync after a while. It was my first time recording with VBA, so if anyone has advice, that'd be nice.

(So...next time I should get Lunasa and nickname her Kanaria? Too bad we missed Medicine; she would have been a good Hinaichigo.)

[deuxhero]

What? The? Scar?

Is everything you encounter female or are does this have any of the series... 3 and a half(?) males in it?

[Assassin89]

What? The? Scar?

Is everything you encounter female or are any of the series... 3(?) males in this.

Considering that Touhou is a pink bishoujo ghetto (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/PinkBishoujoGhetto), any character of importance will be female, with the exception of Genji and Rinnosuke. Not sure if Unzan is present on an individual basis rather than represented by his hitbox. I'm also not sure if the orb from Highly Responsive to Prayers counts either.

Otherwise, Wriggle is the closest thing to a male in Gensokyo due to her style of dress.

[Mirrinus]

Considering that Touhou is a pink bishoujo ghetto (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/PinkBishoujoGhetto), any character of importance will be female, with the exception of Genji and Rinnosuke. Not sure if Unzan is present on an individual basis rather than represented by his hitbox. I'm also not sure if the orb from Highly Responsive to Prayers counts either.

Otherwise, Wriggle is the closest thing to a male in Gensokyo due to her style of dress.

Close, but you're missing one more male character. Youki Konpaku (Youmu's father/mentor) is also playable.


http://i41.tinypic.com/10rqtmv.jpg

[deuxhero]

I know that, I am just asking if the "gender" symbol next to the name had no variation in this hack as Touhou males that can be counted on one hand with a damaged finger (Shingyoku=1/2) and what that would do for say... attract. Looking back trough the shots though, I have noticed there is a male here (http://i39.tinypic.com/rlgimg.jpg) (which raises further questions...).

[Cogwheel]

Nice one on the evolution, but did pre-evolution Wriggle's cape look Palpatine-ish to anyone else?

Also, that's not the gym I remember. Aside from being high level, most of it wasn't rock-type (and I still don't know why Letty isn't Ice). Looks a lot harsher, anyway, like you said. Wasn't expecting that music to come up, either :smalltongue:

I have basically no opinion on your question - Marisa should handily annihilate the next gym anyway. Vaguely on-topic, though: Does this music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHFYORrFp8U) seem Pokemon-y to anyone else?

[Mirrinus]

I know that, I am just asking if the "gender" symbol next to the name had no variation in this hack as Touhou males that can be counted on one hand with a damaged finger (Shingyoku=1/2) and what that would do for say... attract. Looking back trough the shots though, I have noticed there is a male here (http://i39.tinypic.com/rlgimg.jpg) (which raises further questions...).

Most Touhoumon have about a 5% chance of being male. This is for the purposes of breeding to pass on egg moves (yes, it's implemented in the game). Please try not to think too much about it (call it Gameplay and Story Segregation, if you will). For this Let's Play, I might as well just ignore this fact.

Attract is no longer in the game. It's been replaced by some other move.

Regarding the selection of my team and dropping characters in the future, I think I'll just keep them on reserve. That way no one who's been part of the team will be truly gone forever, and I'll be able to vary up my team for different activities. I don't mind the extra training involved.

[Tengu_temp]

Most Touhoumon have about a 5% chance of being male. This is for the purposes of breeding to pass on egg moves (yes, it's implemented in the game). Please try not to think too much about it (call it Gameplay and Story Segregation, if you will).

Or it's a different explanation that starts with f and ends with uta. If you don't know what I'm talking about, don't google it. Seriously.


Vaguely on-topic, though: Does this music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHFYORrFp8U) seem Pokemon-y to anyone else?

Personally, I think of mecha when I hear it for some reason.

*runs away before the audience starts throwing rotten vegetables*

[Drascin]

Personally, I think of mecha when I hear it for some reason.

*runs away before the audience starts throwing rotten vegetables*

Eh, they're interchangeable, really. There's quite a few Pokémon themes that wouldn't really sound out of place in Super Robot Wars :smallwink:.

[Tengu_temp]

It was a Kanako = Guncannon joke.

[kamikasei]

For this Let's Play, I might as well just ignore this fact.

I think not! Your public demands adorable Sakuyaling SCIENCE BABIES.

[Terraoblivion]

I have to agree with Kami. Sakuya and Meiling's fan created child is too adorable to not have effort put into acquiring...never mind that the game would just give you a Sakuya or a Meiling.

And i think Tengu has the simplest explanation for how this is possible. Not sure why it is so horrible that people shouldn't google it, though.

[Fri]

I actually prefer to think that wriggle is a boy. It's cuter that way. The weakest and the woobie/punching bag of team nine which consist of mostly girls? Of course it's a boy.

[Drascin]

It was a Kanako = Guncannon joke.

DETAILS.


SCIENCE BABIES.

But I don't think Sakuya is compatible with Rikako? :smalltongue:


I actually prefer to think that wriggle is a boy. It's cuter that way. The weakest and the woobie/punching bag of team nine which consist of mostly girls? Of course it's a boy.

Well, "weakest" would depend on the particular doujin, but in the games themselves... weakest would be Rumia, or Daiyousei, if you're counting her. Wriggle at least has a Last Word that is harder to beat than Sakuya's :smallwink:.

[Assassin89]

The reason for things such as Sakuya/Meiling babies? Pick one.


Magic
Eirin's shady new drug
Yukari is fooling around again
It's a Moria Shrine conspiracy


And yes, I know templates like that are forbidden.

[Tengu_temp]

And i think Tengu has the simplest explanation for how this is possible. Not sure why it is so horrible that people shouldn't google it, though.

Because you will get hentai. Wikipedia it or something, instead.

The same is true for all words the meaning of which you don't know, but which sound suspicious. Including "hentai".

[Terraoblivion]

So? A little porn never hurt anybody. Not like you were talking about some of the really horrible stuff out there.

[Tengu_temp]

Anybody, you say? Ask the creator of Earthbound how it worked out for him. Or people who get caught browsing for porn by their boss/parent/SO.

In short, I disagree. NSFW warnings exist for a reason. Let's end it here, it's getting offtopic.

[Mirrinus]

Well, "weakest" would depend on the particular doujin, but in the games themselves... weakest would be Rumia, or Daiyousei, if you're counting her. Wriggle at least has a Last Word that is harder to beat than Sakuya's :smallwink:.

Interesting fact: in this version of Touhoumon, all Imperishable Night characters (including Wriggle) have a Last Word form that are all pretty much Game Breakers (base 600 stat totals, which would make them Ubers in Pokemon tiers). They evolve into this form using a Sun Stone, which aren't normally purchasable until you complete everything in the game.

[Oslecamo]

Magic

This. It solves/explains everything! Including the f thingy!

Also from where the egg will be coming from.

[Mirrinus]

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 2-1

Today I learned not to expect any degree of common sense to exist in this world.

Fresh from my victory over the first gym leader, it was already time for me to depart from this city of six buildings. As I left, I took a glance at the nearby newspost.


http://i44.tinypic.com/6xygz7.jpg

Thieves stealing fossils? Nah...I'm sure this couldn't possibly have anything to do with me. Besides, if the fossils are just sitting in a cave waiting to be discovered, how is taking them considered stealing? Then again, why was I expecting this place to make sense?

Just before I could leave town, I ran into one of Professor Oak's lab assistants. Because apparently, he's been keeping tabs on me and watching me all this time.


http://i42.tinypic.com/15d1mir.jpg

At least he was kind enough to give me a gift. Thanks to him, I have now learned how to run (because, ya know, I didn't know how to before).

With that, I was finally on my way to Route 3. Which, as it turns out, was overpopulated with amateur trainers.


http://i44.tinypic.com/a5desx.jpg

Yes, I have eyes in the side of my head that let me look at you when facing in a completey different direction. Of course that's it. Now tell me, who's the one being harassed here?


http://i43.tinypic.com/121yk4z.jpg

Oh, that's right, you are now. Honestly, why do these people feel an uncontrollable compulsion to challenge everyone they see? Are all humans here this bloodthirsty? The way I see it, it's easy enough to get experience points from wild Touhoumon, so that must not be what they're after. Instead, these kids are intent on challenging others for the potential prize money, which can't be earned from wild Touhoumon.

Oh my. These kids are gambling addicts.

Look, another one of these boys from the forest.


http://i40.tinypic.com/qxrjt3.jpg

Really? Because I remember all the trainers I fought in Viridian Forest, and none of them were named Colton. So either you got your name legally changed within the past 24 hours, or you're a stone-faced liar.


http://i39.tinypic.com/2vkg68l.jpg

At least this experience was generous enough for Magical Mary to learn a new trick: a barrage of magic stars to pummel the opponent with. I wonder where she gets it from?


http://i43.tinypic.com/vgrj7m.jpg

Nope, I'm pretty sure I've never beaten you before. Can I see some I.D.?

Unfortunately, a kid with identity issues was still far from the most annoying of these trainers.


http://i39.tinypic.com/2eqh187.jpg

OK. I don't know how much of a social train wreck you are, but let me give you some advice, kid. When meeting complete strangers for the first time, one of the most awkward things you can talk about is what you're wearing below the waist. Also, what kind of kid uses the word "delightfully"?


http://i42.tinypic.com/2ez7l1w.jpg

The shorts-loving boy showed me a Touhoumon that I've never seen before. All it did was spin and spin and spin and spin and...

Will it ever get dizzy? Perhaps Believe it! can help out with that.


http://i39.tinypic.com/33acwlk.jpg

Incidentally, I've been meaning to ask just why Touhoumon can only remember four moves. Is it some kind of magical restraint, or is their memory just that terrible? I pondered this for a while, but then decided to drop it once I remember that this was a world where I wasn't allowed to run until after getting a gym badge.

Next up, more gambling-obsessed kids with a fixation on short trousers.


http://i39.tinypic.com/se6ps7.jpg

What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you for enforcing your lack of fashion sense on others? Besides, don't you know it's scandalous in Gensokyo for a girl to be seen wearing shorts? The same holds true for the lack of a head accessory.

At least other good thing came out of all this pointless violence over money and experience points.


http://i43.tinypic.com/330fbrm.jpg

Huh, check that out. Shinku finally became Alice.

Yet, my trials of dealing with unreasonable children were still not at an end.


http://i42.tinypic.com/2gsmiih.jpg

Indeed, my ability to stare at the wall was so intriguing that you just had to come over and take a look. Honestly, these kids are just grasping at straws for any excuse to battle, whether it be dress code or the direction of one's vision. And if you fail to uphold these rules, you get attacked and poisoned. This place feels more totalitarian with each passing moment. Just please don't tell me these children will report me to the thought police.


http://i39.tinypic.com/wmfg2t.jpg

Magical Mary is such a comfort in these tough times, always picking up something new every few battles. Usually it's just a berry of some sort, but occassionally she gets some very nifty things. I'm still curious as to where she steals them from.

Oh, what a surprise. Another kid desparate for an excuse to battle.


http://i41.tinypic.com/2ut2a0w.jpg

Amazing. You see me for the first time in your life, walk all the way over to me, then have the nerve to accuse me of touching you? I'm about an inch away from pressing harassment charges and filing for a restraining order.

After what seemed like an eternity of inanity, I finally came to the end of Route 3. A convenient Eirin Center greeted me at the entrance to Mt. Moon.

Entering the Eirin Center, I stopped to chat with a few locals.


http://i44.tinypic.com/2zxmrdw.jpg

Huh, Team Rocket? Never heard of them before. Is it suppose to be a clever acronym? Nah, it probably stands for something stupid and nonsensical like "Raid On the City: Knock-out Evil Tusks".

Since I've arrived at a new region, and a particularly expansive one at that, of course I found a huge variety of new wild Touhoumon. Here are most of the new species I found in and around Mt. Moon:


http://i39.tinypic.com/ayvuy9.jpg

On top of that, there was this shady man at the Mt. Moon Eirin Center offering to sell me something.


http://i43.tinypic.com/eupt11.jpg

Wow, that's quite a lot of choices! A tough call indeed.

Yep, this is the biggest poll yet. Maybe selecting only one is a bit unfair...but then again, we've still got tons of regions and many more new Touhou characters to go anyway.

A. Tewi Inaba (Normal, very versatile, think Clefable)
B. Reisen Udongein Inaba (Psychic, special sweeper with lots of confusion-based moves)
C. Aya Shameimaru (Flying/Normal, very fast physical sweeper)
D. Rumia (Dark, physical sweeper, think Absol)
E. Koakuma (Psychic > Psychic/Flying, special sweeper/annoyer)
F. Kisume (Water/Fire, physical wall/annoyer)
G. Tenshi Hinanai (Rock/Ground, slow but sturdy physical sweeper, think Rhydon)
H. Iku Nagai (Electric > Electric/Dragon, slow but sturdy special sweeper)
I. Nameless Fairy (Normal; like Tyrogue, can evolve into:)
>>> Lily White (Normal, tank-ish stats)
>>> Lily Black (Dark, mixed sweeper)
>>> Daiyousei (Grass, special sweeper/baton pass special attack boosts)
J. None of the above (yeah, like anyone would choose this?)

[Tengu_temp]

If you don't pick Aya here, the Tengu Association will never forgive you!

[Cubey]

So many Touhoumons to catch... and we have to pick only one? What a sadistic choice. I'm not sure I can choose here.

Aya. Name her Winged Troll. If that's too long, then Miakis.

[Terraoblivion]

This is a hard choice, but i am going to say Aya. The world needs more trolling.

Though admittedly, sex appeal is good too so i wouldn't mind too much if you pick the useless bunny.

[Drascin]

One vote for Tewi here. Because Aya is just a little troll apprentice by comparison to the true old master of the craft :smallwink:.

[Terraoblivion]

That is true. Though i am not sure i would call Tewi a troll. Pure evil is more accurate.

[The Dark Fiddler]

Just please don't tell me these children will report me to the thought police.

Hello? Thought police? I met somebody who... insulted the shorts...

I say get the fairy. I don't know why.

[Mirrinus]

Actually, after looking more thoroughly at the available options in the game, I realize that Aya does have an alternate evolution form, Final Aya (another Final Fantasy parody, I imagine). And it's good. Really, really good. Flying/Fighting type, with a fantastic stat distribution and moveset in exchange for losing Speed Boost. Way better than Aya's normal EX form, which has insane overkill speed but a much worse movelist. And it only requires a Moon Stone, not a Sun Stone either, like some of the other powerful alternate forms. My only fear is it's too good for the early game...but then again, seeing how many Aya fans there are reading this, I'm not sure if you'd all object. I think to balance this out, I'll refrain from evolving her to her Final form until much later (in fact, waiting to evolve lets me get Extreme Speed first, to help ameliorate her lower speed).

[Terraoblivion]

Ah, that sounds awesome. Let the winged troll show off just what she's made of.

[Assassin89]

I'm choosing Iku for her Saturday Night Fever. Nickname: Travolta.

But considering that several people have voted for Aya, might as well think up a nickname for the winged pervert/troll/newspaper solicitor. How about Kazumi, after a character from Mahou Sensei Negima?

[Drascin]

That is true. Though i am not sure i would call Tewi a troll. Pure evil is more accurate.

No, see, Tewi is a troll, while Aya isn't. To be a troll you need to actually care about making your targets angry. Aya doesn't care if her news make people angry or happy, she just wants to sell newspapers, and if a few reputations or social lives have to be taken down and ruined in the meantime... eh it happens, it's her job to make news, you were on the way, I'd say sorry except I'm totally not. Now, do you have anything to say on your feelings about this situation? *takes out notebook* :smallwink:.

Tewi, on the other hand, simply wants to see your "CURSE YOU TEWIIIIII" face, which delights her so :smallamused:.

[Terraoblivion]

Oh, i agree. Just that Tewi go so far above and beyond what an ordinary troll will do. I mean does she have a single redeeming feature to give even a slight balance to all her attempted homicide and assorted other harm she does? So yeah, i consider her trolling to reach the level where she is pure evil

[Drascin]

Oh, i agree. Just that Tewi go so far above and beyond what an ordinary troll will do. I mean does she have a single redeeming feature to give even a slight balance to all her attempted homicide and assorted other harm she does? So yeah, i consider her trolling to reach the level where she is pure evil

Well, truth be told, outside of doujins she never actually goes through with anything liable to cause you true harm (well, except that one time when she got Reisen lost in the SDM basement, and that time wasn't just as planned, since she ended lost around there as well), and she does have her nice side. It's just it's focused on her earth rabbits, while "people" are mostly targets. Plus she does have this thing with saving people lost in the Forest of Bamboo and showing them the way out. She is highly evil, mind, but not without a couple redeeming features :smalltongue:.

Eirin is more true evil than Tewi, really. Tewi will just throw you into a pit trap (and everyone flies in Gensokyo) or steal your things just to see you scramble for them desperately. What Eirin does to Reisen has her (again, according to the half-canon omake Inaba&Inaba) out cold for days at a time sometimes :smalleek:.

[kamikasei]

B. Reisen Udongein Inaba (Psychic, special sweeper with lots of confusion-based moves)
C. Aya Shameimaru (Flying/Normal, very fast physical sweeper)

CURSE YOUUUUUUUUUUU

...Aya. *grumble grumble*

[Terraoblivion]

There are several times in Inaba of the Moon and Inaba of the Earth where she tries to trick Reisen into drinking Eirin's poison, as well as the time she has Reisen smear the wrong ointment on, intentionally. Though in the last case she might not have known how dangerous it was. And at least in said omake you don't see her being nice to the Earth rabbits, but you do see her scam them out of their money, using them as human shields or basketballs. But like you said it wasn't too a manga.

She is also quite fond of getting Reisen in position for punishment time. Though that doesn't change Eirin's evil either, which i will admit i didn't know about before and honestly don't like. Eirin as the one who handles everything because Kaguya is too lazy and ditzy to is fine, but Eirin as the one who jumps at any opportunity to torment Reisen isn't really.

[Drascin]

There are several times in Inaba of the Moon and Inaba of the Earth where she tries to trick Reisen into drinking Eirin's poison, as well as the time she has Reisen smear the wrong ointment on, intentionally. Though in the last case she might not have known how dangerous it was. And at least in said omake you don't see her being nice to the Earth rabbits, but you do see her scam them out of their money, using them as human shields or basketballs. But like you said it wasn't too a manga.

She is also quite fond of getting Reisen in position for punishment time. Though that doesn't change Eirin's evil either, which i will admit i didn't know about before and honestly don't like. Eirin as the one who handles everything because Kaguya is too lazy and ditzy to is fine, but Eirin as the one who jumps at any opportunity to torment Reisen isn't really.

Well, I&I is an exaggerated omake, after all. Canon Tewi is given to pranks, but never lifethreatening. Canon Eirin is given to being excessively strict and very free-handed with scoldings and punishment (Reisen is mentioned in... I think it was Cage in Lunatic Runagate, to have to do a lot of cleaning and errand-doing every time she makes a mistake), but not to the point of harm. But omakes are for exaggerating traits for the sake of slapstick :smallwink:. I was just saying that if we were discussing I&I, Eirin's eviler than Tewi there by a wide margin :smalltongue:.

[Terraoblivion]

I guess that is likely, you know canon better than me. After all you have the patience to actually practice enough to get anywhere in the games, which i don't.

Oh, and i thought that Tewi leading lost people out wasn't really planned or intentional. At least that is the impression i've gotten from both the limited first hand evidence i have and the second hand accounts i have read.

[Mirrinus]

While both Tewi and Eirin have their less-than-appealing canonical or semi-canonical portrayals, I find that Eirin usually gets more redeeming features, while Tewi seems a lot less sympathetic. To give you an idea of what I mean, Eirin is like a less evil version of Redcloak, while Tewi is like Belkar pre-MoJ. I guess the analogy kind of falls through in some ways, but it sort of gets my point across.

[Drascin]

Oh, and i thought that Tewi leading lost people out wasn't really planned or intentional. At least that is the impression i've gotten from both the limited first hand evidence i have and the second hand accounts i have read.

There are people who say that, yeah. But I never thought it held up to a tad of scrutiny. The argument goes "it's just they see her and that gives them enough luck to get out of the forest, it's involuntary on Tewi's end". But thinking of it: first, I doubt the luck-giving is involuntary, just on sight - because given how much Reisen's luck sucks on average, and how she sees Tewi every single day... well, either she was actually fated to explode randomly and Tewi's luck can only reduce it to having to fulfill the whims of a rather crazy princess that asks for some really outlandish and troublesome things at times, or Tewi actually decides whether she gives luck or not. Given spontaneous imploding is rare even in Gensokyo, I'm going to go for the second :smalltongue:.

And second, even if the luck giving was involuntary, they have to see her for it to work, that part is well documented. And what hope does a lost, unfamiliar human has to actually get his eyes on the master of the forest, who both knows it like the back of her paw and is good enough at stealth to even fool magic radars (see SaBND), unless said rabbit wants him to see her? No, Tewi's apparitions to people are plenty voluntary. She apparates as a flitting white shape, and gives people enough luck to find the exit of the forest. Maybe play a couple tricks on them on the way out, because this is Tewi we're talking about :smallamused:.

EDIT @ Mirrinus post: Eh, I personally find Eirin far less appealing than Tewi. Eirin is just your average schemer with absolutely no regards to anyone else other than her princess, and Yukari already does the scheming bit with a lot more flair and triple the sympatheticness. Tewi's just a trickster archetype, a little buffoon that enjoys so seeing all those silly little people flail around (after all, aside from Eirin, Tewi might well be the oldest character in the cast) and tripping people out of their comfort zones then laughing until her sides hurt as they bumble. Plenty evil, but a lot less concentrated in scope and a lot less likely to end with you really bad off.

But then, to be completely honest, I mostly don't care all that much for Imperishable Night's cast as a whole. Tewi is just the one I find more memorable (as in, I could actually maybe remember she exists without stopping to think), because of how over-the-top zany she is, but still not even in my top twenty favorite characters. The game being among the, if not THE, most boring of the series (Marisa fight notwithstanding) probably has a lot to do with it, to be honest :smallredface:.

[Tengu_temp]

But considering that several people have voted for Aya, might as well think up a nickname for the winged pervert/troll/newspaper solicitor. How about Kazumi, after a character from Mahou Sensei Negima?

I had to check to realize you're talking about Asakura. And yeah, it fits very well.

Alternatively, Secchan, for obvious reasons. Hmm... Setsukura?

[Neon Knight]

I vote for Rumia! And nickname her "Huzzah"! Even though that's pretty much the same joke as it "Believe it", it still makes me smile.

[Fri]

As much as I love Aya, Rumia is slightly higher in my favourite Touhou character list.

[Tome]

My vote goes to Aya.

[Terraoblivion]

And i agree, Aya should either be called Kazumi or Asakura, both refer to the same character anyway. They are frighteningly similar, after all.

[Rolaran]

Another completely meaningless vote for Iku, I second the use of Travolta.

[Mirrinus]

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 2-2

After catching my latest new member of the party, all the other Touhoumon started acting really nervous. I wonder why?


http://i40.tinypic.com/9vl9bq.jpg

Regardless, I took our newest teammate out to train for a while and get her up to speed. (Hehehe...speed. I crack myself up.)


http://i44.tinypic.com/29gg9pw.jpg

Soon, we were ready for the gaping cavern of Mt. Moon. It's so convenient that every mountain in this world has a tunnel leading straight through it, huh? Just imagined how hard it would be if we had to actually climb these things.


http://i40.tinypic.com/24o4jmc.jpg

The random loot one finds in these areas doesn't hurt, either.


http://i43.tinypic.com/10hlpbr.jpg

But the random trainers do rather get on my nerves. Asakura performed well in her first real battle, running circles around her foes with ease.

Then again, with enemies this dumb, who'd expect anything less? Take this fine specimen of human intelligence, for example:


http://i39.tinypic.com/dorvp3.jpg

Yes, girl. It's totally smart to wait next to a sign saying "BEWARE!" in the darkness while waiting for your friends. If this were a horror movie, I wonder how long you'd last?


http://i41.tinypic.com/dnilar.jpg

See, this guy has the right idea. Paranoia helps you survive in these situations. Personally, if I were stuck in a horror movie, I'd hang out with the guy who's seen so much of the genre that he'd know everything that's coming our way.


http://i43.tinypic.com/1551mde.jpg

Then again, it feels like no one here has any sense of danger. I wonder why? I mean, it's a huge, dark cave filled with creatures that can flay the flesh off your bones, yet little kids just keep wandering in here without adult supervision like it's an amusement park. Makes one wonder just how many children in this world survive until childbearing age.

And as if the wild Touhoumon living here weren't enough, there happen to be mafia gangsters roaming these parts too! And parents are negligent enough to let their children come play here on their own? Worst. Parents. Ever.


http://i42.tinypic.com/ifoart.jpg

Now, these "Team Rocket" fellows are something to be afraid of. They mistreat their Touhoumon so much that they have to be given a new category, adding "Dark" to their names. And despite being just chibi Touhoumon, they still have the power to intimidate anything that goes up against them. The amateur trainers were just annoying me with their callous handling of their creatures, but these guys are something else entirely.


http://i40.tinypic.com/23vl4xt.jpg

I don't know what they were doing here, but thankfully, they're docile enough to just stop whatever they were doing after being defeated in a Touhoumon battle. I mean, it's not like a grown man could overpower me one-on-one, right?

Hey, if they're not taking the loot here, then I will!


http://i40.tinypic.com/sy8gp1.jpg

Continuing on deeper into the cave, it seems to me that people here expect kids to be exploring the cave. I was even mistaken for one! Is it that dark in here? I mean, I know I look young for my age, but...


http://i41.tinypic.com/dx24rd.jpg

Shinku finally learned a non-psychic attack now, too. At last, no more being stonewalled by dark types! Now for someone to test it on...


http://i44.tinypic.com/2zrq984.jpg

Oh, you did not just call me that! Do little kids take classes on analytical psychology and cognitivism? Thanks for volunteering to be Shinku's smackdown victim.


http://i44.tinypic.com/rmikbp.jpg

As I neared the end of the cave, even more Team Rocket gangsters appeared to challenge me. I guess they're not that threatening if they're stupid enough to tell me their plans. That, and the fact that there's more of them means they can't possibly be powerful. It's some conservation law or whatever, I think.


http://i43.tinypic.com/30cqa8l.jpg

But strangely enough, the final trainer of this cave wasn't a Rocket member, but another nerd. So in the end, even these mafia members couldn't beat a single nerd to these fossils? Looks like someone's swimming with the fishes tonight.


http://i41.tinypic.com/17s4js.jpg

Thanks to my charming personality, he offered to let me have a fossil. How nice of him! And I didn't even have to find them and dig them up myself! Apparently, you can get whatever you want in this world through liberal application of Touhoumon violence. Hmm...not sure how I ought to respond to that. Maybe humans really are just jerks like that.


http://i40.tinypic.com/mvlqnd.jpg

The battle was also kind enough to help Magical Mary evolve. Lookin' good!


http://i40.tinypic.com/294oqw4.jpg

Not knowing enough about what made these fossils different, I went ahead and just picked one. Great, now I get to lug a big chunk of stone with me in my backpack. How exactly is this a reward again?

At least I got a nice haul of these pretty little stones with a moon symbol inscribed on them. It's what Mt. Moon is famous for, right?


http://i44.tinypic.com/2445jmf.jpg

Not to mention new entrees for my Ayanote.

All in all, a good day. I snagged lots of loot, beat up some mafia members, and exposed the perils of leaving children without adult supervision. Remember, kids: The more you know!

[Assassin89]

Don't worry about those children in the cave, they are just unimportant NPCs that are somehow unable to die.

Also the conservation of competence applies for Team Rocket.

[Fri]

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 2-2

After catching my latest new member of the party, all the other Touhoumon started acting really nervous. I wonder why?


http://i40.tinypic.com/9vl9bq.jpg


Is that so... :smallfrown:

[Terraoblivion]

D'awwww, Chibi Meiling's so cute.

[Rolaran]

Yeah, Team Rocket are a little hazy on the whole "dealing with intruders" (http://www.brawlinthefamily.com/?p=212) issue. Although I have to say, the Dark T'mons they have in this version are a cool touch. I'm looking forward to the next installment, when Remilia, Flandre and Utsuho all show up at just about the exact same time. The voting process will be insane.

[Mirrinus]

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 2-3

Finally, fresh air at last! Out of that dark, dank, and irritating cave!


http://i42.tinypic.com/n3uexi.jpg

Upon exiting Mt. Moon, I followed the road to the charming coastal town of Cerulean City. How fortunate for me that another gym was conveniently located here! Looks like I can finish another piece of that Viridian forest man's given quest. But first...


http://i41.tinypic.com/if3h8y.jpg

Renko also happened to be in town. And, as is the custom in Gensokyo, when two friends meet, a battle must inevitably result.

Renko showed off her new evolved Aya. How cool! I'm sure mine will be just as cool one day.


http://i43.tinypic.com/r8z3gp.jpg

OK, maybe not as fragile as hers, perhaps.


http://i41.tinypic.com/orjytt.jpg

This next Touhoumon sounded familiar, but I don't think I've seen such a creature yet. Her chibi Patchouli was able to copy my Shinku's ability...which was completely useless anyway, so it never even mattered in the slightest. However, her vast control over different special elements gave her great type coverage for finding weaknesses.


http://i44.tinypic.com/x5cdaf.jpg

Up next was a familiar sight, only this time she was more dangerous than ever before. Renko's newly evolved starter combined exceptional durability with a decent arsenal of accurate attacks.


http://i41.tinypic.com/2colhyc.jpg

Sakuya was especially noteworthy for her annoying habit of freezing other Touhoumon in place, forcing either a switch or a decidedly one-sided battle. I can already see this getting old really fast...


http://i43.tinypic.com/1zchisz.jpg

Magical Mary was able to settle their old rivalry that stretched since our very first battle together, but Renko's last Touhoumon got off a swift and nasty finisher. But with Believe it! and Asakura still in reserve, I knew I had this fight in the bag.


http://i43.tinypic.com/atu1i0.jpg

Renko was a good sport, as always. After the battle, she explained to me why she was there (as is once again customary to do after, not before, a fight in Gensokyo).


http://i39.tinypic.com/34oq641.jpg

Maybe it'd be worth my while to pay this ZUN fellow a visit as well. Eager to gain whatever edge I could from meeting such a reknowned and esteemed personality, I set off north across the bridge leading out of Cerulean City.


http://i40.tinypic.com/14jcevt.jpg

Wait, what's this? Oh, you have got to be kidding me! Instead of an annoying toll bridge, or maybe even a short fetch quest, I have to fight my way across a small army of amateur trainers?

Fine, fine. Let the torment begin. The prize better be worth it.


http://i41.tinypic.com/2wce2rl.jpg

Up first was the ever-familiar fairy catcher and his dance of puny fairies. Except this time, most of them weren't as puny. Looks like Renko and I weren't the only ones who started evolving their Touhoumon. Honestly, I'm shocked at just how high this guy's Touhoumon levels are, compared to what I had expected.

Although...I do find it rather amusing that up till now the levels of everything I've encountered have followed a gradual and steady curve. I love it when the universe plays nicely with me.


http://i44.tinypic.com/25oxru8.jpg

The next trainer showed me some new grass types that I haven't enountered before. Um...what were their names again? Oh well, must not have been important.


http://i43.tinypic.com/21pp93.jpg

The third trainer threatened me with some more evolved forms of Touhoumon that I've encountered before. No longer in their chibi forms, these stronger creatures provided a greater challenge than just what their level alone could have previously indicated. But of course, the experience points they yield were all the sweeter as well.


http://i44.tinypic.com/n4vaye.jpg

Personally, I dislike having redundant moves of the same type, and would much rather prefer any form of utility over nothing but straightforward attack. Asakura now has a good trump card against enemy stat boosts and other annoying effects that I want gone. (Thank you 2nd generation!)


http://i42.tinypic.com/i226g5.jpg

The fourth trainer just rehashed those grass types from earlier, albeit at a higher level. Nope, the names still aren't ringing a bell.


http://i42.tinypic.com/2ce3w53.jpg

The last trainer...just threw a bucket at my face. OK, what was that?

Incidentally, I got really excited when Magical Mary learned Spore, but then realized that it doesn't do what I thought it did. Instead, now it has an 80% chance of mushroomizing its victim, making them feel strange and occassionally attack themselves. Oh, and I guess it also messes with their controls on the overworld map, but I wouldn't know much about that.

With that, I have conquered these five trainers that have blockaded my progress for no reason whatsoever! Let this be a lesson to all those who will use Touhoumon for the evil purpose of halting plot progress. OK, now gimme my prize.


http://i41.tinypic.com/x6hjbr.jpg

So now the local crime syndicate has been reduced to recruiting techniques that would make the navy blush? And an offer I can't refuse? He's no Godfather, that's for sure. So, like any self-respecting person in Gensokyo, I of course had to give my answer of refusal with good old-fashioned violence.


http://i43.tinypic.com/of3cxz.jpg

His first Dark Touhoumon was nothing new to me by now, but his second one was a different sight. It sort of pained me to see it...


http://i41.tinypic.com/mhee6e.jpg

I mean, it reminded me of my little Suiseiseki. I guess this was the extent that a cruel trainer can have on their Touhoumon. Maybe that stranger was right in saying that some, perhaps many, people do not deserve the right to raise Touhoumon.

A part of me regretted defeating this Rocket member's Dark Chibi Wriggle, but it had to be done to end this man's reign here on Nugget Bridge.


http://i44.tinypic.com/b8lpj7.jpg

Right now, the only opportunity I'm interested in is the opportunity to shove you off this bridge. I suggest you back off before my mood turns even more sour.

With the path north now cleared, I was able to see some of the new species of Touhoumon in the area.


http://i42.tinypic.com/15g4k9g.jpg

Team Rocket may be filled with jerks, but perhaps I'll be able to show these cute little things a proper home.

I just want to say that I actually like the Aki sisters, and Minoriko's among my top 5 favorites. With that said...

A. Minoriko Aki (Grass, Leech Seed tank/annoyer)
B. Shizuha Aki (Grass, special sweeper)
C. Remilia Scarlet (Dark/Flying, physical or mixed sweeper or tank, depending on 3rd form)
D. Patchouli Knowledge (Psychic, slow special sweeper, but has a powerful Final form like Aya's)
E. Flandre Scarlet (Dark/Fire, mixed sweeper)
F. Utsuho Reiuji (Fire/Flying, special sweeper, has Fire/Water Beach form)
G. (None of the Above)

Thanks for the reminder, Rolaran. I totally forgot that Flandre and Utsuho were available near Cerulean. They're very, very rare, as it turns out, so I missed them when I first went through looking for new species. After some time searching, I finally found them.

[Terraoblivion]

Is this version like the old one that one of my friends played in which the only way to get a Sakuya other than at start is to trade an EX-Remilia to an NPC? If that is the case you have to get Remi, if not go for Patchy and pick up Sakuya when you have the chance.

Utsuho is also fairly tempting if only for the bizarre nature of a Fire/Water Touhoumon.

[Mirrinus]

Oh, I'm actually omitting Sakuya because we technically already voted on her, way back at the very start of this Let's Play. Sorry about that.

[Terraoblivion]

I see, that's a shame. Because i really like Sakuya. Then i'll definitely say Patchy, no need for Remilia in that case. Poor Meiling is going to be lonely though.

[Mirrinus]

At least you'll still be able to see Renko's Sakuya grow throughout the game.

[Terraoblivion]

That is true and at least it is Marisa and not Reimu you are using. Remi, Flandre and Reimu are, in that order, my least favorite of the more well-known Touhou characters. They just don't interest me in the slightest.

[kamikasei]

D. Patchouli Knowledge (Psychic, slow special sweeper, but has a powerful Final form like Aya's)

This, yes. I mean, it's already canon that she makes only one sound which is also suitable as her name. Add Mukyuun to your team.

Hmmm... I wonder if when you go to see this Zun character you might run in to another noted alcoholic. In which case Giant Loli should also get a spot.

[Terraoblivion]

Yeah, there will be quite a few times when i'll be sad to give someone up because we cannot keep all the ones i like the most around. Just like some other ones will be lost because others have different preferences.

[Drascin]

That is true and at least it is Marisa and not Reimu you are using. Remi, Flandre and Reimu are, in that order, my least favorite of the more well-known Touhou characters. They just don't interest me in the slightest.

Well, I will admit to sharing the view on Flan, and to a certain dislike of Reimu (though mostly for gameplay reasons. Reimu is always the best shot type in every game, in addition to actual hitbox advantage in the older games, and I'm the type to never, ever use the "unmistakably best" option), but I do like Remi. What's not to love about a loli vampire that likes to play detective games? :smallwink: (okay, apart from the whole egotistical bit, but we have Aya, who has even more puffed-up ego, after all! :smalltongue:)

So add one vote to Chibi Remi. Besides, we're a bit low on Physical sweeping anyway.

[Terraoblivion]

Leaving aside that loli is pretty much always a negative for me, she just hasn't sparked any interest in me or shown any really noteworthy traits in either canon or noncanon portrayals i have seen. She's basically just been uninteresting to me, rather than there being something i actively dislike about her. Also she is stealing Sakuya!

[Cubey]

You found a male Flandre? What the heck.

Now, for the new Touhoumon:
Patchouli. Why is this even a question?

If you're not going to base her name on "Mukyuu", call her Yue instead.

[Tengu_temp]

Patchouli get.

[kamikasei]

Hmmm. Mukyue?

[Cubey]

An excellent idea if I do say so myself.

[Drascin]

Leaving aside that loli is pretty much always a negative for me, she just hasn't sparked any interest in me or shown any really noteworthy traits in either canon or noncanon portrayals i have seen. She's basically just been uninteresting to me, rather than there being something i actively dislike about her. Also she is stealing Sakuya!

Well, more than "stealing" her, you could say that without Remi you actually wouldn't have maid Sakuya, as without Remi she would neither be a maid nor actually appear in the games, so... :smallwink:

But really, while I'm not all that much into loli myself, in Remi I feel the childishness is an important part of the character, and loli looks are part of that. She may be scheming and smart and a bit of a Magnificent Bitch at times, but she's also a kid with a penchant for getting really bored and for childish puffing. I like characters with a certain character dichotomy, I'll admit :smallbiggrin:.

[Terraoblivion]

Well, i don't mind Remi existing, i just want her to respect Sakuya and Meiling's feelings. :smalltongue:

And i can see why you'd like her, she just doesn't do anything for me.

I do support calling Patchy Mukyue, though. Even if it is a damn silly word.

[Assassin89]

Zun's not a Touhou fan, he created Touhou.

As much as I would enjoy having Patchouli joining the party, it is difficult to create a nickname that does not relate to either Mukyuu or her expy Yue.

Regardless, my vote is for Patchy.

[Rolaran]

Huh.

I completely forgot that Patchy was in there too. I was figuring it would turn into a vote war between the Scarlet sisters. Well, Patchy is one of my favorite characters, just because I enjoy the idea of someone who spent so much time and energy learning magic that they're most often too physically frail to actually use it :smalltongue:

Having said that, my vote is actually for Flandre. If you will permit me to trope, a Tykebomb who Doesn't Know Her Own Strength, and doesn't know that Evil Is Not A Toy, is a concept that can be a lot of fun. Also, the Christmas-light wings are pretty much the coolest idea I have seen for nonstandard wings.

[Prime32]

Doesn't Flandre evolve into the strongest thing in the game (http://touhou.wikia.com/wiki/Touhoudex/SFlandre)? Or is that only in some versions?

Is this (http://touhou.wikia.com/wiki/Touhoudex/Inu-Sakuya) catchable?

Remind me what types the current party are?

[Assassin89]

Remind me what types the current party are?

I think it's as follows:
Marisa Magic Mary: electric
Alice Shinku: Ice/Psychic
Ran Believe it: ground
Wriggle Souseiseki: Bug
Aya Asakura: Normal/Flying

[Mirrinus]

Doesn't Flandre evolve into the strongest thing in the game (http://touhou.wikia.com/wiki/Touhoudex/SFlandre)? Or is that only in some versions?

Yes, but a Sun Stone is needed for that form. Sun Stones are on sale in the Sevii Islands, but only after defeating the Elite 4 Round 2 (where they all have level 90+ teams in this game). There's also a single Sun Stone lying around on Five Island, but it's not accessible until after clearing the Elite 4 Round 1.


Is this (http://touhou.wikia.com/wiki/Touhoudex/Inu-Sakuya) catchable?

Not in the wild, but it evolves from chibi Sakuya with a Water Stone.

[Terraoblivion]

So that is kind of not relevant. InuSakuya is adorable, though. Wonder where that comes from.

[Assassin89]

So that is kind of not relevant. InuSakuya is adorable, though. Wonder where that comes from.

I think "Inu Sakuya" is based off of Sakuya's nickname/title of "the dog of the devil".
Not sure which specific Doujin it started from though.


And some just for fun nicknames:
Remilia: Evangeline
Flandre: Rena
Okuu: Bahamut

[SephlidJam]

My vote's for Patchy all the way.

[kamikasei]

And some just for fun nicknames:
Remilia: Evangeline

...

Much as I love both Patchy and Yue...

Is there an evolution available for Remilia along the lines of InuSakuya?

Here, kitty Kitty...

[Mirrinus]

Is there an evolution available for Remilia along the lines of InuSakuya?

Here, kitty Kitty...

Why yes, yes there is. I did say she had several different stage 3 forms, didn't I?


http://i40.tinypic.com/2a9y5go.jpg

[Assassin89]

Why yes, yes there is. I did say she had several different stage 3 forms, didn't I?


http://i40.tinypic.com/2a9y5go.jpg

Is there a Flandre version of that form? Or would that explode the multiverse due to excessive cuteness?

[Mirrinus]

Is there a Flandre version of that form? Or would that explode the multiverse due to excessive cuteness?

There is, but I don't like the sprite as much as Remi's actually.

And wow, Patchy sure is popular. Guess I could have seen this coming, after how many votes she got when I did Labyrinth of Touhou as well.

Patchy's default EX form is very similar to how she was in LoT: very low HP, DEF, and SPD, but exceptional special attack and special defense. She has a Final form (much like Aya's) that trades away a fair bit of that special attack (still remains above average) for a significant amount of HP and DEF. Also gains Dark as a secondary type. You guys cool with me using the Final form? (To be honest, I've never used it before, nor even seen what it looks like)

Next segment will be up later today, sorry for the delays. I just finished finals, and my college graduation is this coming week.

[Rolaran]

Is there a Flandre version of that form? Or would that explode the multiverse due to excessive cuteness?

Yes, and yes. Pictures are not included to avoid further damage to the multiverse, and also because I haven't got a Leaf Stone handy to use on my chibi Flandre. But I have seen Neko Flan, and she is ridiculously cute.

Also, for some reason that description of Neko Remilia immediately made me think of this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p9b5uAHzpc) bit from Red Dwarf. Seems like the sort of thing Remi would do.

[Mirrinus]

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 2-4

After seeing Renko's adorable chibi Patchouli, I knew that I just had to have one! (Calm down now, Mari. Suppress those fangirlish urges. Deep breaths...)

She sure is a tricky one to catch, though.


http://i43.tinypic.com/1z5jcpu.jpg

As per my usual routine, I filled up a few more pages of the Ayanote as I was here. In particular, I needed those two grass-type sisters whose names keep escaping me for some reason.


http://i44.tinypic.com/w2hmvr.jpg

My newest partner, Mukyue (so much fun to say!), has got to be the most specialized Touhoumon I've seen yet. She has abysmally low physical stats, but incredible special stats. Despite being just freshly caught and unevolved, her special stats were already comparable to those of Shinku and Magical Mary! Mukyue will certainly be an interesting one to use properly.


http://i42.tinypic.com/17x01z.jpg

As usual, while I was training with Mukyue, Magical Mary was off looting something again. It's mine to keep, right? I hope no one misses this.

And I might as well take advantage of Mukyue's Teleport while I still have it.


http://i40.tinypic.com/b666ip.jpg

How convenient! I'm already back in town. And since I'm here, might as well go check out what's available here.

Apparently, Cerulean City is famous for having a bike shop. In fact, I believe it's the only one of its kind in this entire world. And simple economics dictates that when there's only one supplier of something, then a dangerous monopoly could develop, resulting in incredible price gouging. But surely these people aren't that evil, are they?


http://i41.tinypic.com/214uzp3.jpg

OK, that's just wrong. Adam Smith must really hate my guts or something.

Then again, what was I going to do with a bike? Not like there was anywhere for me to go.


http://i39.tinypic.com/1yl1q8.jpg

The path down south was blocked off by a tree and a girl messing around with her Cirno. Why? I have no clue. Maybe she was trying to cut down the tree...although I don't know what she's thinking using a Cirno to do it. Idiot much?

Meanwhile, the other path that would lead east requires passage through a house. Now, I suppose it would be rude enough for me to just tresspass on someone else's property, but I don't even have the option to do that, as the entire place was blocked off for a police investigation. Apparently, the police department is having some major issues with Team Rocket. Wait...those fools I met at Mt. Moon? How do the citizens of this fair town sleep soundly at night with a police force that incompetant?

With nowhere else to go, I once again headed north path Nugget Bridge, going up the peninsula as Renko had instructed me.


http://i43.tinypic.com/v5ao3m.jpg

Some creepy stalker-type kid stopped me as I crossed the bridge, recounting how I had conquered the trainers of Nugget Bridge. Well, it's nice to see that I have an admirer, but trust me, I'm not your type. And I think I'm 8 or 9 years older than you too. Not that I'm saying I'm old or anything. Of course not.

Which once again brings up the point I had pondered earlier: why are there so many children wandering around in the wilderness without any adult supervision? Aren't their parents afraid they'd get kidnapped, or worse? Sure, I suppose one can defend oneself with a few Touhoumon, but what's a chibi Chen or Mystia going to do if an assailant is smart and dangerous enough to bring a good team? What an uncomfortable thought...

Putting aside such disturbing questions for a while, Believe it! put up a great fight against an opponent higher in both level and evolutionary stage.


http://i43.tinypic.com/jkzwv9.jpg

After teaching that kid an important lesson in approaching older women, I continued on through Route 24 to Route 25.


http://i41.tinypic.com/20qg7zr.jpg

Lo and behold, what do I see before me but a whole mess of trainers! Typical. I don't suppose I'm running around with a "Battle me!" sign taped to my back, am I?


http://i43.tinypic.com/2s16law.jpg

So this is suppose to be a popular training ground? I think I might buy that plausible explanation, if it weren't for the fact that I don't see any of you guys fighting each other. Why pick on just me? Come to think of it, the same was true for every single route yet.

Oh well. It's your funeral.


http://i42.tinypic.com/2ah9j5d.jpg

At least these trainers are willing to divulge some relevant information as I battle them. Some talked about ZUN, having nothing but praise for the man. Others told me about a great ship currently docked in the southern port of Vermilion City, which has been holding parties for Touhoumon trainers. And still others...talked about their boyfriends. How shallow.


http://i44.tinypic.com/29z3ifc.jpg

Incidentally, these battles were a good way for me to learn more about how to effectively lead Mukyue in battle. Her greatest hindrance is her very low speed, which gives even an amateur trainer's fodder the opportunity to attack first. This drawback is compounded further with annoying status effects.


http://i43.tinypic.com/r26g52.jpg

Because she's more liable to take damage in battle than her teammates, opportunistic switches are oftentimes needed to keep her safe, at least at this level. But this is just another aspect of teamwork to learn.


http://i42.tinypic.com/10ib0jt.jpg

Souseiseki didn't mind the assists. In fact, the experience she gained taught her a great new move, Sonic Boom. Not only does it have decent power, but it's also boosted by her bug type, a first for her. What a marvelously useful boon! I mean, can you imagine if it was something much lamer, like always doing a meager set 20 damage?


http://i44.tinypic.com/2ed5rq1.jpg

Breezing through the remaining trainers of Route 25, I had to endure more boasting about their respective love lives. What's up with that? I mean, it's not like I'm jealous or anything. No, of course not! Why would I be?

Ahem...anyway, I doubt such puppy love at that age could last long.

Let's just move on to the end of the route. Spotting a house at the edge of the peninsula, I figured this was ZUN's house. However, inside I couldn't find anyone but a chibi Reisen. which, of course, started speaking to me.


http://i40.tinypic.com/2s7jg8w.jpg

Oh gosh, this isn't going to end up like The Fly, is it? That was an incredibly creepy movie. You...don't happen to have a third telepod hidden somewhere, do you?


http://i43.tinypic.com/wum5g4.jpg

Good. For a moment there, I was afraid you'd become a hideous insect monster when you stepped out. Or, I guess in this case, a useless little bunny only good for sex appeal.


http://i44.tinypic.com/53l5ih.jpg

Grateful for my assistance, ZUN offered me a ticket to the S.S. Anne in Vermilion City. Of course I wouldn't say no to anything free, so I gladly took him up on that offer. But how am I suppose to get there with all the other routes blocked off?

As I started heading back while pondering that question, I found a young couple making out near ZUN's house. Yeah, sure way to rub it in, guys.


http://i44.tinypic.com/3462d20.jpg

Well, thanks for the gossip! I had almost forgotten about Cerulean City's gym leader. Looks like it's time to pay her a visit now.

No new characters to vote on until we get to Vermilion...but there's still plenty to talk about in the meantime! Here's something else my readers can help me decide: evolutions and movesets! We'll begin with Magical Mary!

Marisa is a very versatile character. Like most other popular characters, she has several stage 3 forms, although for my purposes I'll only be choosing between two of them (due to lack of Sun Stones and stuff). Marisa's EX form is very well-built for special sweeping. Gaining Fire as a secondary type and trading in Pick Up for Speed Boost, she has both the speed and the power to special sweep well. Her alternate form is Advent Marisa, based on her portrayal in the popular doujin Advent Cirno (Final Fantasy VII parody), where she plays the role of Yuffie Kisaragi. This form of hers doesn't have nearly as much firepower, but possesses much higher HP and greater utility moves, albeit with an arguably worse ability (ADVENT, basically same as Shield Dust). She's also a pure Electric type in this form.

Because of her versatility, I can think of no less that 6 useful movesets for her:

A) Standard Special Sweeper

Thunderbolt
Fire Blast
Water Pulse
Mana Charge (raises Special Attack by 2 stages; see Nasty Plot)

This is the most basic sweeping set for Marisa. Nothing fancy or complicated, just boosting your special attack and speed, then destroying everything with STAB moves. This moveset is for EX Marisa.

B) Suicide Sweeper

Blazing Star (Electric, 120 power, 100% accuracy, 1/3 damage recoil; see Volt Tackle)
Fire Blast
Water Pulse
Mana Charge

This setup uses the incredibly strong and accurate Blazing Star to deal heavy damage at a heavy price. Don't expect Marisa to survive tough battles with this setup, but you can expect her to take things down with her. This moveset is for EX Marisa.

C) Sunnybeamer

Thunderbolt
Fire Blast
Solarbeam
Sunny Day

Offering fantastic type coverage, this set takes advantage of Sunny Day's boost to fire moves and instant Solarbeam for a versatile sweeper, as long as you're willing to set up. This moveset is for EX Marisa.

D) One-shot Wonder

Overheat
Master Spark (Electric-type version of Overheat)
Mana Charge
Protect

This is a set that I'd never use against human opponents, but against the particular challenges posed by the most powerful in-game opponents, this set could be of some use. The idea is to demolish an opponent in 1 shot before they have a chance to use their Full Restores and other insane items (lots of trainers in the late game carry such items). Protect is there to get a "free" speed boost in case I'm up against a faster opponent. This set is built to just hit and run, since it can't stay in for any length of time due to the huge drawbacks from Overheat and Master Spark. Now I really wish Choice Specs was in this game. Anyway, this moveset is for EX Marisa.

E) Annoyer

Thunderbolt
Flash (Psychic, 60 power, 90 accuracy, lowers accuracy)
Spore (Causes Confusion, 80% accuracy)
Spikes

Trading away firepower for really annoying moves, this set seeks to mess with opponents and make it difficult for opponents to stay in. Flash in this game has been given 60 base power and a Psychic element, in addition to its accuracy-decreasing effect, making it remarkably useful and annoying. Spore isn't as broken as before, but it further contributes to the plan. It's a very luck-based moveset, but it's something different to consider. This moveset is for Advent Marisa.

F) Baton Passer

Thunderbolt
Agility
Mana Charge
Baton Pass

Instead of hogging the damage dealer role, this moveset plays a totally supportive role. Baton Pass lets her give massive Speed and Special Attack boosts to another special sweeper, like Alice or Patchouli. This moveset is for Advent Marisa.

One thing to keep in mind for these movesets is that Mana Charge is a TM move, and I won't be able to legally get more than one, so I can't use it for anyone else if I commit it to Marisa. Alice and Patchy both luckily learn Mana Charge on their own, though.

So...what'll it be? Which version of Magical Mary shall I go for?

[Assassin89]

I say go for the standard special sweeper, although Master Sparking everyone and stealing their precious things is more of Marissa's style.

[DonTheoden]

I vote B) Suicide Sweeper. Sounds fun.

Also: great LP!

[Terraoblivion]

I actually wouldn't mind seeing baton passing in action. It's something i know about being important in Touhou, but i'm not exactly certain how to pull it off so it could be interesting to see. Also not like you don't have special sweepers already.

[Fri]

You need to ask? Magical Mary isn't magical mary without massive beam explosion. Master Spark all the way.

[Tome]

You need to ask? Magical Mary isn't magical mary without massive beam explosion. Master Spark all the way.

I'll second that.

[kamikasei]

I don't like the idea of relegating her to a niche role, and I don't know enough about the system to evaluate entire movesets, but I agree that Magical Mary must have Master Spark.

All else aside, how's she going to make snowmen without it?

[Rolaran]

Yeah, it's not Marisa without a freaking huge magical laser. D all the way.

Also, quick question, but where are you getting your info on who can learn what moves and so forth? All I've been able to find for Aqua+Yui is a half-finished wiki and a list of T'mon locations from about two patches ago.

[Terraoblivion]

And it turns out i was wrong when i said i am too clumsy to play Touhou games before. Just managed to get Bad End #3 in Perfect Cherry Blossom on my 15'ish try. Halucinating spellcards and gathering of points now.

Also skip Yuyuko when you get a chance to catch her, she's a disgrace to final bosses. Both Youmu and the Prismriver Sisters are harder than her.

[Mirrinus]

Also, quick question, but where are you getting your info on who can learn what moves and so forth? All I've been able to find for Aqua+Yui is a half-finished wiki and a list of T'mon locations from about two patches ago.

Google YAPE (Yet Another Pokemon Editor). It's a program that lets you view Pokemon ROM information. Since Touhoumon is a hack of Fire Red, it works with YAPE, which lets you view stats, learned moves and TM lists, and more.


And it turns out i was wrong when i said i am too clumsy to play Touhou games before. Just managed to get Bad End #3 in Perfect Cherry Blossom on my 15'ish try. Halucinating spellcards and gathering of points now.

Also skip Yuyuko when you get a chance to catch her, she's a disgrace to final bosses. Both Youmu and the Prismriver Sisters are harder than her.

Congratulations on getting through PCB. It usually does take several tries before you can 1CC it, and PCB is already one of the hardest on the lower difficulties anyway (other games have a steeper difficulty curve, but I find PCB starts off its curve harder).

Personally, I actually find Yuyuko to be harder than most other final bosses, while Youmu's pretty easy compared to the likes of Orin, and Prismrivers are probably the easiest stage 4 boss in the whole Windows series for me. Usually people will have varying experiences and strengths anyway, so there's usually not much of a consensus on these issues (except Orin, whom everyone agrees is ridiculously hard for a stage 5 boss).

Ironically enough, all 5 characters you've named (Yuyuko, Youmu, and the 3 Prismrivers) all appear in the same zone in this game, so they will actually be competing with each other.

[Terraoblivion]

This is probably just me being ignorant, but 1CC?

Also i guess it makes sense that people have different experiences, but in any case i found Yuyuko to be pretty easy compared to what had gone before. The Prismriver Sisters on the other hand just murder me every time i reach them. I'll be honest though, the game wasn't quite as hard as the reputation of the series warrants, at least not on Normal.

And joking about Yuyuko aside, she is one of my favorites so unless Meiling is also on that route she'll get my vote once we get to her.

[Assassin89]

This is probably just me being ignorant, but 1CC?

Also i guess it makes sense that people have different experiences, but in any case i found Yuyuko to be pretty easy compared to what had gone before. The Prismriver Sisters on the other hand just murder me every time i reach them. I'll be honest though, the game wasn't quite as hard as the reputation of the series warrants, at least not on Normal.

And joking about Yuyuko aside, she is one of my favorites so unless Meiling is also on that route she'll get my vote once we get to her.

1CC means one credit clear, so no continues. Also the Prismriver Sisters have a null pointer exception.

As for my personal experiences with the Touhou games on Normal, while attempting 1cc unless otherwise stated:
Story of East Wonderland: Rika's not much of a problem, but Meira is problematic.
Phantasmagoria of Dimensional Dream: Can 1cc on easy, haven't attempted normal difficulty.
Lotus Land Story: Elly gives me problems
Mystic Square: Problems with Alice
Embodiment of Scarlet Devil: can't get past stage 4
Perfect Cherry Blossom: Problems with Ch(e x 100)n. Can't get past stage 3.
Imperishable Night: Got to stage 5 with continues, can't get past stage 4 otherwise.
Phantasmagoria of Flower View: 1cc with Youmu on easy, can't 1cc on any difficulty otherwise either due to either Aya, Shikieiki, or sometime Komachi.
Mountain of Faith: Can't get past stage 4, even with Marissa B.

[Cogwheel]

My experiences are much the same, despite not having played the PC-98 games.

PCB: Finished, 1 CC. Only if it's Sakuya A, mind you. Anything else gives me difficulties even on easy. Oddly enough, I can 1CC this on Lunatic, though this was more of a fluke than anything. No idea how that happened.

IN: 1CC on Easy is pitifully easy. On Normal, I can't get past the suddenly uberbuffed Reisen.

There is no ninth game. None I say.

MoF: No. I can get as far as Aya on the last spellcard, assuming Marisa B cheatery. And even then, the spellcard where she flies around all over the place completely slaughters me.

SA: Let's not go there, hm?

UFO: Kogasa is hell. Generally, I can just about hang on long enough to get taken down by Murasa.


No, I'm not exactly good at these games :smalltongue:

[memnarch]

EoSD; Can CC1 normal some of the time; Remilia's hard. (unless I use Reimu)
EoSD-ex; Can clear sometimes; Reimu makes it much easier.

IN; Haven't finished off Kayuga normal quite yet.
IN-ex; 2 Mokou spellcards is what I can get to so far.

(can't believe I missed the Labyrinth LP)


Vote > One-Shot wonder.

[Mirrinus]

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 2-5

Cerulean Gym...is certainly not what I had in mind when I pictured the word "gym". The entire place was just one big swimming pool with a narrow walkway running through it. As I entered, an annoying man ran up to me and started pestering me with "advice". Oh no! I think I found a fanboy!


http://i42.tinypic.com/5z1jr9.jpg

Okay, okay, that's great. I mean, it's not like I didn't know that already. Aren't you also going to tell me that fire is weak to water? Because I totally never figured that out for myself.

It's not like I have the chance to just go out and train up a fresh team, right?


http://i39.tinypic.com/eb1uud.jpg

Ew...the trainers at this gym are showing way more flesh than I cared to see. At least put on some swim shorts instead of those Speedos.

Well, I guess it might be a slight step up from misquoting astronomical units.


http://i42.tinypic.com/11b2dqf.jpg

Mukyue has proven herself to be a fine special wall for my team, shrugging off water and other special attacks with minimal harm. Even if she can't hit for super effective damage all the time, she can outlast her foes like this.


http://i41.tinypic.com/b5iu13.jpg

Then, of course, there are the times when I can hit a weakness. Good times. Incidentally, I wonder what a melted fairy tastes like? Hmm, maybe it's best not to dwell on that.


http://i41.tinypic.com/35ap1za.jpg

OK...if it weren't for the fact that you look like you still haven't had your first period yet, I might actually have been a bit creeped out by what you just said. Wow Mari...bad thoughts, bad thoughts!


http://i39.tinypic.com/f1ikic.jpg

I started the fight with Mukyue, but then promptly switched her out. Magical Mary was happy to deal with the little kappa. It could have gone even faster if I had between 3 and 3.95 power, and was using lasers, and...nevermind.


http://i41.tinypic.com/k4gnqg.jpg

Divvying up the experience from that last battle was a good idea, as Mukyue needed just that to gain a critical level and catch up exactly with the rest of the gang. And not only did she learn a new technique...


http://i44.tinypic.com/33x9a0z.jpg

But she grew into a new form! With such power by my side, how will I fare against the gym leader herself? No time for guessing, let's find out. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwUmTk-C-H0)

Keep discussing Magical Mary's moveset if you'd like. It seems Master Spark is now an auto-include, given its immense popularity. I think I might use Fire Blast instead of Overheat, though, since I might feel iffy about having no moves that lack massive drawbacks.

[Terraoblivion]

Evil Maribel, don't melt Cirno!

And i'll just pretend to not hear what the last trainer before Misty said. Because that never happened.

[Drascin]

Congratulations, Terra!

And yeah, Yuyu is probably the second easiest Final boss in Windows games. Easiest goes to Byakuren, which is way up among my favorite characters but evidently in her thousand-year imprisonment they didn't cover the topic of danmaku, because she sucks at it :smalltongue:.

As for my own experiences with the games... (spoilered for WORDS)

Lotus Land Story: ...this passes for a final boss? Damn, Yuka, I'm dissapointed, you're easier than the average Stage 4 boss. 1CCd Normal.
Mystic Square: Can't even remember who was in here other than Alice and Shinki. I think I managed to beat it because I opened up the Extra (note: Grimoire Alice is made of DEATH), but can't remember much more than that.
EoSD: My first game. First times I plyed, didn't even know you could focus, and kept dying at Cirno. Now I can 1CC Normal reliably. Can sometimes beat Extra, if Maze of Love doesn't completely screw me up.
PCB: Easiest Windows game, really. Hardest thing is Youmu. 1CCd Normal, 1CCd Hard, almost managed to 1CC Lunatic except I get shanked by - you guessed it - Youmu. Beat the Extra, too, but getting past Yukari is harder.
IN: People keep saying it's the easiest. Given the Marisa fight and how dangerous Eirin is, I'm calling BS on those people. Still managed to 1CC it, though, after a hell of a lot of tries.
PoFV: The Computer Is A Cheating Bastard. That is all.
StB: Let's just say this game made me actually like Aya, that's how awesome it is. Knuckle-breakingly difficult at times, though. Managed to get to EX! (also? Damn, Shiki and Komachi are scary when they mean business)
MoF: Actually found it pretty hard. Nitori messes me up a lot because I barely can see her lasers, and Aya is real dangerous. Took me ages to realize the trick on Kanako's pillars of Onbashira, and Mountain of Faith is not to be underestimated.
SA: AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! :smalleek:. This thing is my Kryptonite. Barely ever I manage to get past Orin, and then Utsuho finishes me off. The fact Marisa doesn't have a single decent shot type doesn't help. Still not 1CCd, doubt I ever will.
UFO: Loved it. Murasa is harder than any Stage 4 boss has any right to be, And Shou has a couple really nasty tricks, but other than that, the game's not all that hard. Byakuren in particular has the easiest Final Spellcard in the history of ever. You just dodge up and down vertically. 1CCd Normal, haven't beat Extra yet because of the accursed Danmaku Chimera.
DS: Working on it right now, four cards to go to get to EX. Easier than Shoot the Bullet, but still every bit as awesome. ZUN really gets out the best spellcards for the Aya games!


Anyway, as for Mary's moveset, yeah, go for Special Sweeper. This is Marisa we're talking about. You know, the one who is actually on record in canon works saying, paraphrased, "firepower solves everything". Anything else just wouldn't do her justice! :smallbiggrin:

[kamikasei]

I'd prefer Youmu over Yuyuko. I guess I'm weak against swords. (And servants. I like Sakuya, Meiling, Reisen...)

We'll have a chance to pick up a Cirno, right? Because that was a pretty adorable sprite. Not quite The Smuggest as she should be, though...

I don't get what the trainer said that was so creepy...? Maybe I'm better off not knowing.

[Cubey]

Not surprised that Mukyue was the first to faint. Bringing Patchy anywhere outside her library, especially a place that requires physical effort like a gym, is recipe for trouble.

[Prime32]

Evil Maribel, don't melt Cirno!http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/5417/3807410d2a635f374111663.jpg

[Assassin89]

I think a melted ice fairy tastes like a Popsicle, but that is no reason for Maribel to melt Cirno: the Strongest, the first member of the atai squad, the nineball and leader of team nine.

If we are going to catch Cirno sometime later, will she be given the nickname of Suiseiseki to fellow member of team nine Wriggle's Souseiseki?

[Fri]

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/079/8/5/Poking_Cirno_by_Fri_Freeman.jpg

I second this motion to catch a cirno.

[Cubey]

NGHHH

Veins clogging... self... narrating... all your*... fault....

*Prime32 and Fri

[Assassin89]

NGHHH

Veins clogging... self... narrating... all your*... fault....

*Prime32 and Fri

You better be glad that was Cirno rather than Yuyuko, because if it was Yuyuko, you would suffer Death by Moe.

[UglyPanda]

In Gensenkyo, Yuyuko eats you. In Soviet Russia, you eat Yuyuko. Wait... that doesn't sound right. In several different, non-work-safe ways.

My experiences with the games (I suck):
EoSD: I need continues to beat Meiling and Cirno keeps handing me my ass. Sigh.
PCB: First one I played. Can't get past Youmu without continues and Alice is tough. With continues, I can beat Yuyuko and get one of the bad endings.
IN: This is the only one of the games I can get the good ending for on normal. I might have 1cc'd it once or twice, I honestly can't remember. I still suck at it.
IMM: I have little recollection of how I beat it, just that I saw the endings eventually.
PFV: I really just tried breezing through on easy. All I really cared about was unlocking everyone. Which I can't thanks to Extra, dammit.
STB: I can't beat a single level in stage 3. Or is that a single stage in level 3? Either way, Alice and Keine are tough.
MoF: I can't beat level 4, even with Marisa Bugged. There's gotta be something wrong with Momiji, as she never fails to take at least one of my lives. Also, Aya made me experience firsthand the fact that you can still die after the last spellcard in MoF. It was the only time I managed to defeat Aya and I still lost because of a stupid change in the programming.
SWR: Beat it on normal. And thus began my obsession with Suika. Sure she was in the last fighting game, but she isn't a difficult recurring final boss in this one.
SA: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! (breathes) AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
UFO: Only played the demo. I can't beat Kogasa consistently and I can't even get halfway through Unzen.
IN: People keep saying it's the easiest. Given the Marisa fight and how dangerous Eirin is, I'm calling BS on those people. Still managed to 1CC it, though, after a hell of a lot of tries.It's still the easiest to beat, however. Five or six lives, slow mode, extra time for survival bombing*, and you can earn the right to continue while still getting the good ending.


*I have no idea what it's really called.

[memnarch]

It's still the easiest to beat, however. Five or six lives, slow mode, extra time for survival bombing*, and you can earn the right to continue while still getting the good ending.


*I have no idea what it's really called.Last Spells.


Also, Marisa could have Master Spark replace one of the moves in the Sweeper setups.

(Repost for reference)A) Standard Special Sweeper

Thunderbolt
Fire Blast
Water Pulse
Mana Charge (raises Special Attack by 2 stages; see Nasty Plot)

This is the most basic sweeping set for Marisa. Nothing fancy or complicated, just boosting your special attack and speed, then destroying everything with STAB moves. This moveset is for EX Marisa.

B) Suicide Sweeper

Blazing Star (Electric, 120 power, 100% accuracy, 1/3 damage recoil; see Volt Tackle)
Fire Blast
Water Pulse
Mana Charge

This setup uses the incredibly strong and accurate Blazing Star to deal heavy damage at a heavy price. Don't expect Marisa to survive tough battles with this setup, but you can expect her to take things down with her. This moveset is for EX Marisa.

[Cogwheel]

All this talk made me replay SA again. With Reimu B (Suika, for reference). Not the best choice, sure, but I already played Reimu A once. Plus, I missed my homing shots, even if this is a poor substitute.

Needed two continues on Easy. Both on stage 6, oddly enough. I lost some lives to stupid mistakes, but mainly, it was one to the stage 5 boss (honestly, I found Shou worse. And Sanae.) At least, that was the one point bar stage 6 where losing lives was actually appropriate :smalltongue: Stage 4, since I somehow avoided dying, was incredibly fun. Even if Satori's last Suika-spellcard is just vicious. Why would anyone take cards from the fighting games? Far too cruel.


Anyway, was fun, so thanks for that. I blame my sudden leap in skill recently - not to mention the drop in sanity - on StB. Evil, evil game.

[Rolaran]

Well since Master Spark is now automatic, I'm actually going to vote for a modified Sunnybeam setup (in other words, Master Spark, Fire Blast, Solarbeam and Sunny Day). Why? Because too much beam spam is never enough.

[Tome]

Well since Master Spark is now automatic, I'm actually going to vote for a modified Sunnybeam setup (in other words, Master Spark, Fire Blast, Solarbeam and Sunny Day). Why? Because too much beam spam is never enough.

Your statement implies that there can be such a thing as too much beam spam. This is factually incorrect.

That aside, Solarbeam/Sunny Day has been one of my favourite combos in a lot of games.

[Assassin89]

I second the beam spam set, because if it moves, Marissa will spark it. If it doesn't she will attempt to steal it.

[SephlidJam]

I vote for A, but replacing T-bolt with Master Spark. Because, as people have reiterated, Mary needs her Master Spark.

[Mirrinus]

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 3-1

With the Cerulean Gym conquered, I turned my sights to leaving this fair city. But with the southern exit still blocked, I had to find another way. I guess it's time to pay that crime scene a visit.

Maribel Han, private investigator, at your service!


http://i50.tinypic.com/nzg110.jpg

Yes, yes, so your TM was stolen? Have the police started searching for the culprit yet? If so, where have they looked? Perhaps they should look...

...in your backyard?


http://i49.tinypic.com/t0s3eo.jpg

I'd like to reiterate my statement of Worst. Law Enforcement. Ever.

The whole "innocent bystander" routine may have fooled the police, but the big red "R" on your shirt kind of gives you away.


http://i45.tinypic.com/2aienpc.jpg

A ferocious battle soon occurred. While the dark chibi Wriggle was no match for Magical Mary, the dark chibi Momiji busted out the very painful Double-Edge attack to wreck havoc. Exceptional base power on top of a level advantage and STAB is pretty deadly.


http://i49.tinypic.com/s28pco.jpg

Vengeance was mine as Believe it! stepped up to finish the job. Thankfully, these full-grown men are polite enough to desist from physically attacking a 95-pound girl as soon as run out of of Touhoumon. I wish all criminals were this considerate.


http://i45.tinypic.com/30nb2c4.jpg

Huh, so I went through all this trouble to get this TM back for you, and now you don't even want it? Eh...I don't know whether to feel insulted or thankful.

At least the path down to Route 5 is now open for business.


http://i45.tinypic.com/2mfgi01.jpg

The gate to Saffron City, though, was not. Why? I have no idea. I mean, it's not like the city could be under siege right now by an evil criminal organization, right?

Taking the detour around Saffron city, I ventured into the Underground Path towards Vermilion instead.


http://i45.tinypic.com/jh692t.jpg

After what seemed like ages, I finally emerged out on the other side of Saffron City, on Route 6. A new Touhoumon greeted me here: a bird reading a book. Imagine that.

As usual, prepubescent boys rushed to greet me as well.


http://i45.tinypic.com/sdiw55.jpg

It's like as if all the little boys in this world have never seen a girl before. Which, of course, doesn't make any sense at all in the world of Touhoumon.

Oh, wait, here's a boy who does know what a girl looks like. It's me who didn't want to see what two kids making out looks like. Excuse me while I reach for the brain bleach.


http://i47.tinypic.com/2mmecjn.jpg

Yeah yeah, if you're going to do that, at least do it behind a tree instead of out in the open road.

After that excursion, I think I prefer the old familiar company of fairy catchers with no sense of personal space.


http://i47.tinypic.com/246m78n.jpg

Route 6 wasn't a very long route, so with Vermilion City soon in sight, I took to quickly sweeping the few trainers blocking my way with Asakura. Of course, there was a good reason why I chose her.


http://i46.tinypic.com/20hvzt3.jpg

With a newly evolved Asakura by my side and a fresh anticipation for the unknown, I arrive at the charming city of Vermilion.


http://i48.tinypic.com/2ciyzc.jpg

It's a lovely seaside town, with the warm afternoon sun drifting lazily over the peaceful docks. If this were a vacation for me, I'd love to spend it here. Hey, wait a minute, isn't this suppose to be a vacation for me?

Oh, right, I still have a mission to accomplish.


http://i50.tinypic.com/2ag18hw.jpg

Is this how they do things in America? Just let random plants grow wherever and block off the entrance? How repulsive. Looks like first I'll have to find some way to get around this arbitrary obstacle...in America.


http://i46.tinypic.com/2hxn8m9.jpg

While stopping by this city's Eirin Center, I met yet another random stranger handing out free stuff. The VS Seeker lets me re-challenge as many pre-pubescent kids as I want. A mixed blessing, to say the least.

I chatted with the locals for a while, and was told that if I wanted to see new Touhoumon, I ought to head to Yamame's Cave, located just outside of town. I figured this was as good a lead as any.


http://i45.tinypic.com/2my2s3.jpg

The cave certainly did not disappoint, with so many new species to choose from! While I already have a team of 6, I see nothing wrong with expanding the roster even more, rotating in and out members as necessary. After all, the more the merrier, right?

Once again, we've got a large batch to choose from. Nearly all Subterranean Animism characters can be found in Yamame's Cave. Utsuho is there too, but we already voted on her. And for some reason, I just couldn't find a chibi Parsee, so I just gave up. She's still up for vote, though.

A. Tokiko (Flying/Normal, physical sweeper)
B. Yamame Kurodani (Bug/Ground, tank)
C. Parsee Mizuhashi (Dark/Ghost, tank)
D. Yuugi Hoshiguma (Fighting/Ground, physical sweeper)
E. Satori Komeiji (Psychic, can learn every TM move)
F. Koishi Komeiji (Normal, special sweeper)
G. Rin Kaenbyou (Fire/Ghost, sweeper/annoyer)
H. (None of the above)

Oh, and another question: where to next? Route 11 or S.S. Anne?

[Drascin]

Either Yamame or Yuugi. Preferably Yamame, because I love the little rowdy spider.

As for route, I say let's go on a cruise!

[Assassin89]

I vote Parsee or Orin.

As for nicknames for everyone:
Tokiko: Nameless (she has no canonical name)
Yamame Kurodani: Konoka
Parsee: She doesn't get one, and is therefore jealous of the others. Or Beatroll.
Yuugi Hoshiguma: Joestar (See Touhou's character sheet)
Satori Komeiji: Nodoka (A mind reader whose name fits in with Mukyue )
Koishi Komeiji: Freud (I blame the Embers of Love for this nickname)
Rin Kaenbyou: Satoko (Orin's a real friend because she will help you move a body)


I choose going on the S.S Anne so you can fight Renko another time and get the HM.

[memnarch]

My votes;

Character; nickname.
Yamame: Portia
Koishi Komeiji: Freud (a good name Assassin)


I'll say go with S.S. Anne because then the Gym opens up sooner.

[Terraoblivion]

Since i cannot claim to know the SA characters at all, i was going to refrain from voting. Assassin has convinced me, however, we need a Nodoka to go with Mukyue, so Satori it is.

[Rolaran]

I vote Yuugi, with the name of McHuge. (Big McLargehuge being, ironically, too big.)

Other nickname suggestions:
Yamame: Charlotte
Koishi: lanimilbuS (This one just barely fits) that's what she said

[Tome]

The "Satori named Nodoka" idea has my support. :smallbiggrin:

[Shiva asori]

I would like to say that in the version of the game Mirrinus linked to on page 1, that it's possible to buy sun stones after you beat the E4 the first time from the shop on island two.


Add a vote for yamame for me.

[Mirrinus]

Interestingly enough, this is possibly the closest vote yet. Keep it up.

My graduation ceremony is tomorrow morning, so I might have some time to work on the Let's Play afterward, but if not, I might not get back to it until Friday or Saturday. My apologies for any potential delays.

(And no one remembers poor Tokiko...)

[Drascin]

How many letters were the nicknames again? Because if we're going to use Yamame, who is a spider, is a tank, and is cute... I'm voting for Tachikoma as a nickname :smalltongue:.

[Terraoblivion]

Tachikoma should be within the character limit, i believe.

[kamikasei]

How many letters were the nicknames again? Because if we're going to use Yamame, who is a spider, is a tank, and is cute... I'm voting for Tachikoma as a nickname :smalltongue:.

Tachikomas are love, so I am fully in support of this even though I don't know jack about Yamame and her competition is being named Nodoka. That's an accomplishment.

[potatocubed]

I also vote for Tachikoma. She's even got the right sunny disposition!

[Terraoblivion]

Oh and if it is alright i ask, where did you find the version of the game that you are playing, Mirrinus? The only ones i've been able to find have been old.

[Tome]

On the one hand, Tachikoma. On the other, Nodoka.

Damn, I don't know which to choose now. :smallannoyed:

[Neon Knight]

Yamame all the way.

I'll also mention that like Terra, I can't seem to find the precise version you're playing.

[Mirrinus]

Oh and if it is alright i ask, where did you find the version of the game that you are playing, Mirrinus? The only ones i've been able to find have been old.

It's on Aquamentis' Mediafire page (http://www.mediafire.com/aquamentis), file thmon15e1-19(3)(4).gba. Actually, that one might be slightly more up-to-date than the one I'm using, come to think of it.

[Terraoblivion]

Ah, awesome. Except that China blocks Mediafire. Guess i need to hold off on getting it until go back to Denmark this summer. I can definitely live with that.

[memnarch]

Ah, awesome. Except that China blocks Mediafire. Guess i need to hold off on getting it until go back to Denmark this summer. I can definitely live with that.

Tried using proxies?

[Terraoblivion]

I tried, but my technical skills are not quite up to figuring out how it works. Especially not with most sites dealing with it also being blocked here.

[Prime32]

Try http://cantblock.me/

[Neon Knight]

It's on Aquamentis' Mediafire page (http://www.mediafire.com/aquamentis), file thmon15e1-19(3)(4).gba. Actually, that one might be slightly more up-to-date than the one I'm using, come to think of it.

That's the version I've been using, and there seem to be some differences between it and the one you're using, and not just in the updated sense.

[Rolaran]

I'm officially switching my vote to Tachikoma Yamame. Finally, an obscure anime reference I recognize!


Ah, awesome. Except that China blocks Mediafire.

I can't be the only one who read that and immediately thought, "Yet Marisa still gets past her on a regular basis..."

[Mirrinus]

It was a close race between Tachikoma and Nodoka at first, but looks like the spider-tank pulled through in the end. While Satori is my favorite Touhou character, I can't say I'm displeased with having to use Yamame. Not only did her stats get a significant buff in Aqua's more recent patches, but she has one of the coolest EX form sprites, at least in my opinion.

Anyway, longest segment yet. Enjoy.

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 3-2

If Yamame is capable of digging a structure as grand as this tunnel, then surely it deserves a good spot on my team. It was easy to lure them to come out with my Souseiseki. Weird, eh?


http://i50.tinypic.com/k3rk35.jpg

With so many other species available here, my Ayanote had a field day taking down observations.


http://i47.tinypic.com/2zf1t36.jpg

So many cute species...but of course, given the rising levels of the creatures I've been encountering, it's no surprise that they won't remain as chibi little beings for long. Just take my newest member, Tachikoma. With just one more level...


http://i50.tinypic.com/2lvfspu.jpg

...she evolved! Can't wait to see that happen again!

Now that I've amassed such a lively and exciting team of Touhoumon, I really do feel like showing them off. But where would I do such a thing? Why, what about that party aboard the ship that ZUN talked about earlier? Yes, that would be simply splendid!


http://i50.tinypic.com/vnh406.jpg

To my dismay, by the time I had arrived, the party was already over. But that doesn't mean this trip would go to waste. Oh no, there are still plenty of things to do on a luxury cruise liner. For instance...


http://i47.tinypic.com/9r16di.jpg

Dancing on the front deck...(Asakura displayed some sweet moves)


http://i45.tinypic.com/11j7vhv.jpg

Or dumpster diving snacking in the dining hall...


http://i50.tinypic.com/nc17kj.jpg

Or taking a nap in someone else's bed...


http://i50.tinypic.com/2miat.jpg

Or simply lounging in the other passengers' cabins.

But no, I came here with a specific mission in mind. You see, being on this ship is a great opportunity for me! Even though my adventure as a new Touhoumon trainer has been going quite well so far, if I do say so myself, I admit that I'm still unfamiliar with the ways of this world. In particular, I need to see just how other trainers interact with their Touhoumon, and with each other. Are most other trainers just pricks with undeserved firepower, like that guy from the Viridian Forest claimed? Or are they sensible folk who are kind and loving towards their Touhoumon, not using them to attack random strangers on sight? Hmm, come to think of it, that last part of the latter description...nah.


http://i45.tinypic.com/2m4ocjb.jpg

Even though the party was over, plenty of trainers were still on board. But rather than looking to enjoy a spot of tea as we discuss Touhoumon issues, it seems like they were more eager to engage in combat. Sigh...I guess that answers part of my question.


http://i47.tinypic.com/2czxh1.jpg

Of course, I start my journey of discovery in the worst possible place: the lower deck cabins, where gruff sailors and eccentric fishermen make their abode.


http://i48.tinypic.com/34g35sz.jpg

As if that weren't enough, some of them fancied themselves to be pirates.


http://i46.tinypic.com/23w4ld0.jpg

Pirates, on board a luxury liner in this day and age? How ridiculous. I suppose next he's going to tell me that the gym leader of this city is secretly an executive of an expansive crime ring secretly using this ship to smuggle pirated goods? Sure...

The fishermen on this boat aren't really much better, though.


http://i46.tinypic.com/27ytlkj.jpg

Apparently, the only thing they could catch are buckets. Lots and lots of buckets.

Still, I would most definitely prefer inept fishermen to burly sailers that try to harass passengers like me.


http://i47.tinypic.com/sb0bd0.jpg

I don't know whether to be more indignant over your calling me a kid, or your attempt to hit on me. Actually, come to think of it, combining the two together would be four times as disturbing.

Disgusted by the behavior of these unruly men, I tried to quickly wrap up my stay here below deck.


http://i47.tinypic.com/2yjok06.jpg

No, I don't know what they say about sailors and battling, but I do know what they say about sailors and their preferences (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HelloSailor), if you know what I mean.

Glad to be free of that rat-infested hellhole, I returned to the first floor of the passengers' cabins, where I was able to find some more civilized company.


http://i50.tinypic.com/nc17kj.jpg

Here was a seemingly kind and lonely man, who had a strong bond with his Touhoumon. It almost pained me to have to battle him, and he seemed quite devastated when he lost. I guess that would be the equivalent of seeing your best friend getting beat up. I wonder, do his Touhoumon feel the same way towards him? Do they fight and even risk their lives for the sake of his honor, regardless of reason?

If only everyone on board this ship were that interesting. Some were just plain rude.


http://i47.tinypic.com/2m3i4ux.jpg

Gosh, how was I suppose to know you didn't want any visitors, when you keep your door unlocked like that? What kind of world doesn't allow a protagonist to just freely enter the dwelling place of others and ransack through their items? Gensokyo makes less and less sense by the minute.

Seeing that the elderly don't seem to want my company, I instead sought to speak with the traveling families on board this ship. The parents were quite courteous, chatting with me and seeing no problem with my wanting to enter and inspect their items.


http://i45.tinypic.com/25jjevr.jpg

However, their children were a lot less composed. Like me, they were quite eager to show off their impressive teams of Touhoumon.


http://i49.tinypic.com/300tlb9.jpg

Except, they weren't impressive at all. You went all around the world to catch a chibi Mystia, which could be found on almost any route? Excuse me while I introduce my face to my palm.


http://i46.tinypic.com/6jedrc.jpg

Still, I guess it was nice to see their enthusiasm and love for even the most common of Touhoumon, simply because of the bond they share. That's an important sentiment to have. I guess one Mystia in hand is worth two in the bush.

Of course, not all cabins had trainers who wanted to battle with me. Some just wanted to reveal their secret undercover identity to anyone passing by.


http://i47.tinypic.com/33zfmyw.jpg

Once again, I have to say it: Worst. Law enforcement. Ever.

A different passenger told me an interesting tale: one about a great big Touhoumon who sleeps peacefully, his presence no longer required by the world. His sleeping form guards the path between present and future.


http://i45.tinypic.com/51213l.jpg

It'd be pretty cool to see that for myself someday.

On the second floor of the passengers' cabins, more incompetant fishermen challenged me with their buckets. I only wish I were making this up.


http://i48.tinypic.com/2hnltzp.jpg

At least the elderly gents of this floor were a lot more civil. One even posed to me the same question I pondered earlier: what makes a Touhoumon worthy to me? Is it strength? Beauty?


http://i49.tinypic.com/2112ghx.jpg

No, it's the understanding that we are partners. Only those that are members of my team can claim this, and that automatically makes them more valuable to me than any I do not own. At least, that's what I think. There's probably holes in this somewhere, but hey, I'm majoring in psychology, not philosophy.

The gentleman was very understanding of my belief, but his daughter was a bit more...peculiar. After our battle, she said something to me that made me shiver for a moment.


http://i45.tinypic.com/6ofl1i.jpg

I wonder why was that?


http://i48.tinypic.com/2yox3s7.jpg

In other news, all throughout the ship I've been hearing people talk about this technique called Cut, which could help me get past those overgrown weeds at the Vermilion Gym. Supposedly, this technique is something totally gossip-worthy, and not just a simple hack with a machete (come to think of it, where would I get one?). It's special because it's a Touhoumon doing it. As opposed to humans. I think that's how it works...right?

Eh, I never claimed to understand how this world thinks.


http://i45.tinypic.com/ivzt5j.jpg

To earn this technique, I needed to talk with the captain of the ship. Unfortunately, he suffers from extreme seasickness. Sounds like someone needs to reconsider his choice of profession.

As I was on my way to the captain's cabin, though, who should I run into but Renko! (Who was apparently studying up for her French class.)


http://i48.tinypic.com/9sfl3q.jpg

Always up for a friendly match, eh? Dueling complete strangers for money feels totally sketchy, but a joust between friends is a whole different matter.

It hasn't been that long since we last saw each other, though, and she's admitted that she's been working more on the Ayanote than on her Touhoumon's levels. Looks like she's setting up for a repeat of last time.


http://i46.tinypic.com/2zrj7l5.jpg

I think I was able to show her just how much stronger Magical Mary has grown since the beginning of our journey together. Mary shocked Renko's Aya out of the sky in an instant, although her priority moves were an annoyance.


http://i45.tinypic.com/11vkz8o.jpg

Next up was her chibi Patchy, whom of course doesn't hold a candle to Mukyue. Having raised one myself, I know all about her abysmal defense. A clean physical strike, and she was already gasping for air. Since she posed such a minor threat, I let Magical Mary have some fun and pilfer her opponent instead. I wonder what sort of precious thing she stole?


http://i50.tinypic.com/icuu5x.jpg

Turnabout was fair play, though, and Renko exploited the same physical weakness to take down Magical Mary with her priority moves. I had Souseiseki repay the favor. Gosh, it looked like she hit really hard. I hope Renko's chibi Momiji will be OK after that...


http://i50.tinypic.com/hu26vk.jpg

Now, doesn't this scene look familiar? Souseiseki and Renko's Sakuya had such a standoff last time as well. This time was different, though. Sakuya did not create an insect popsicle this time around, and while her Perfect Square was a lot stronger than our attack, we had the initiative, and could still 2-shot her just the same, unlike before.


http://i47.tinypic.com/i1w9ee.jpg

As Renko rushed off to the Eirin center after our battle, she told me more about the captain. If I'm going to learn Cut from him...I'm going to need to do something that I may regret later.


http://i50.tinypic.com/29oqtzb.jpg

Ugh! Do you know how awkward and disgusting it is to rub a man that reeks of vomit for who knows how long? I just hope the next HM doesn't require me to give out sponge baths.


http://i50.tinypic.com/i5yalc.jpg

At least I got what I came for. And out of curiosity...no, I really shouldn't...but...


http://i47.tinypic.com/2r6cx05.jpg

Excuse me while I open a window...

No new characters to vote on right now, so why don't we consider another character's moveset? This time we'll be looking at the One-Week Wizard, Patchouli Knowledge. A master of spellcraft, she possesses an extraordinary library of elemental attacks. To make her even more awesome, we can use her Final Fantasy form, which trades some of her special attack for a significant boost to HP and defense, making her more durable while still possessing an excellent special attack score. Her normal form has overkill special attack, but falls if anything physical so much as sneezes at her. And with her terrible speed, she could use some survivability.

The other reason to use her Final form over her EX form, though, is her expanded learnable movelist. Here are just four of the effective sets we could give her:

A. Five Elements Sign "Philosopher's Stone"

Fire Blast
Ice Beam
Morning Sun (Grass, 80 base power, 10% chance of lowering target's special defense)
Five Elements (Psychic, 100 base power, 5 PP, 20% chance of Freeze, Burn, or Paralysis)

This set takes advantage of Patchy's enormous movepool to get fantastic type coverage, with a super-effective attack against an amazing 11 different types. Too bad Expert Belt wasn't around in this generation.

B. Moon Sign "Silent Selene"

Psychic
Fire Blast / Black Wind (Dark, 70 base power, may raise all stats just like Ancientpower)
Thunder Wave
Mana Charge (+2 stages of Special Attack)

A somewhat "standard" set for Patchy. Thunder Wave slows down opponents to compensate for her terrible speed, and Mana Charge raises her already impressive special attack. Black Wind gets STAB and can raise all stats, but Fire Blast has better type coverage. Psychic can be Five Elements when she reaches the (really high) level to learn it, but Psychic does have the advantage of more PP for comparable power.

C. Sun Sign "Royal Flare"

Sunny Day
Fire Blast
Solarbeam
Psychic / Five Elements

Yes, Patchy can also use the Sunnybeam combo. The only reservation I have is that she's too slow to sweep an entire team, but with her Final form's defenses she can afford to take a few hits while blasting away with enormously powerful attacks. Does require setup, though.

D. Sun Moon Sign "Royal Diamond Ring"

Psychic
Calm Mind / Flamethrower
Will-O-Wisp
Bride Study (5 PP Recover-type move)

Believe it or not, Final Patchy makes a pretty decent tank. She's already got absurdly high special defense, and Will-O-Wisp will burn an opponent to cut their attack power in half. Throw in a recovery move, and she'll be hard to take down. The attacking move could be anything, really. Psychic gets STAB and 10 PP (beats Five Elements), but Flamethrower gets more PP and doesn't get walled by Dark types.

So...what do you think?

[Terraoblivion]

Poor Maribel. This version of Gensokyo is seriously twisted with lolicon sailors and a need to massage seasick old men...

Also i think that there is something wrong with the pictures, some of them got shown in two different places.

As for the moveset, i vote for Philosopher's Stone. Always having someone on hand who can make a super effective attack seems handy. Also it is the one that seems the most Patchy to me. I also support going for her Final form.

[Mirrinus]

Also i think that there is something wrong with the pictures, some of them got shown in two different places.

Yeah...too many pictures in this one to keep track of. It's been fixed. Thanks.

[Cubey]

So. The biggest jerk you encountered onboard used a Tewi touhoumon.

Further comments - redundant.

[kamikasei]

A. Five Elements Sign "Philosopher's Stone"

Five elements, four moves. Is the hidden fifth ingredient Alice's Precious Thing? :P

[Assassin89]

I'm voting for the philosopher's stone move set. Patchouli could always use that set to attempt a defense against Marisa's thefts.

[memnarch]

Philosopher's stone move set. Cuz that's one of her Extra spells.

[SephlidJam]

Philosopher's Stone. Because it's the Patchy-est.

[Mirrinus]

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 3-3

Today I come bearing a scathing exposé of the shocking underground gambling scene gathering around Vermilion City. Drawing in children as young as 10 years old, this decadent wave of corruption has found roots in the route bordering the town.

First things first, the S.S. Anne departed as soon as I stepped off. What would I have done if it had left while I was on? Actually...that would have been a nice vacation.


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Instead, I got to step out onto Route 11, where the local trainers go to practice. Little did I know, this route was filled with the most unsavory sort of characters.


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The first person I met talked of cheating, which I should have recognized was a distressing sign. How would I cheat, and why would it matter? Obviously, there must have been something very sinister going on here. As it turned out, the training ground of Route 11 was little more than a cover for a nefarious gambling ring. I met several such gentlemen hustlers here, including this next displeasing fellow.


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This man thought he could conceal his disreputable nature by hiding under the title of "gamer", but I saw him for what he truly was: a gambler. Carrying a cup of dice and rambling about winning bets, this was the sort of person you'd never think would be a responsible Touhoumon trainer. How shameful.


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Their lust for the thrill of gambling knows no bounds. They are not afraid of corrupting even children into their unwholesome vice.


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These kids don't have the income to sustain a large gambling addiction like the adults do, but the seed has been planted. Look how eager they are to battle, betting their lunch money on the outcome of a glorified cockfight.


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Some show a half-hearted attempt at being responsible trainers, but they seek not the well-being of their Touhoumon. They see only what their tools can accomplish for them in the arena, preparing them only for battle with no regard towards their happiness.


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They even neglect their studies to concentrate on this debauchery, spending their precious mornings all for the sake of their gambling habit rather than sleep or study.


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As for the gamblers themselves, some are so painfully addicted to their vice that they continue to revel in it despite admitting to have never won. Even if they wanted to quit, they can't.


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Others were so drunk on their own professed sense of victory that they could not see the precipice looming just ahead of them. Boasting of their successes and denying their failures as nothing but luck, they did not recognize that they were a slave of their very whims.

Even normally honest and hard-working men of various professions can be drawn into this dark underworld.


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I met such folk working on the power cables at the outskirts of town, or so they claimed. But were they really going to fix the cables here, or were they merely stealing out to quench their addiction for gambling?


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Personally, I remain doubtful of their sincerity, if only for the fact that I don't actually see any cables out here. What kind of excuse is that?

Such is the deplorable state of Route 11. I only hope that the local authorities will catch wind of this soon and put an end to such shameful behavior. But of course, I doubt that will happen. After all, Gensokyo does not seem to have the best law enforcement ever.

Turning my thoughts away from such dark matters, I made my way to the watchtower at the edge of Route 11.


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Here I met Professor Oak's aide, who offered me a nifty gadget if I had fulfilled a certain objective for him. So, he's really going to bribe me to finish his Ayanote project for him? What kind of researcher does he think he is? Oh, sorry, I'm just so quick to assume the worst of people nowadays...


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Glancing out of the binoculars at the watchtower, I spied something down below. Actually, it was just as easy to see without any visual aid, given how close that thing was, but whatever. A sizable creature was lying in the middle of the road on Route 12, blocking off any possible passage.


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I climbed back down to confirm this for myself, and sure enough it was true. An enormous turtle was lounging in the road. I tried to wake it up by hitting it, but the thing refused to budge. And for some reason, it never even occurred to me to just climb over it, use the fence as a boost, or just jump into the water and swim around it (hey, of course I can swim). Dejected, I returned back the way I came.

There was still one more landmark on Route 11 for me to explore: Yamame's Cave. I had already come here earlier to find new species of Touhoumon, but this time I was resolved to fight my way through the entire long and winding cave. As I traveled through it, I met a fellow traveler who told me how to prepare for the upcoming Rock Tunnel. Apparently, no one in this world has heard of flashlights or even lanterns. Weird, eh?


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I emerged all the way back in Route 2. However, my path was blocked by a two-foot-tall plant. How can I ever get past such an insurmountable obstacle? Why, with my trusty machete HM01, Cut! Let's see who can...oh, wait. I've got no one to use it yet.

Time to go back all the way to Vermilion City. *sigh*


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At the Eirin Center, I picked out just the cute little thing to wield the awesome power of cutting down small plants: a chibi Minoriko. Plowing my way through Yamame's cave for the third time, we hacked apart the insurmountable two-foot-tall plant with extreme prejudice.


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Our reward was another one of Professor Oak's aides, this time offering me the HM05, Flash. Are these guys stalking me? Or are they just waiting at arbitrary locations and expecting me to eventually come to them? What if I never found this guy? Would he just wait here for the rest of his mortal life?

Aw...now I'm regretting coming all the way here, if only to find out the answer to that question.

Wow, you guys are showing quite a bit of solidarity on that last vote. Can't say I'm surprised.

[Terraoblivion]

We went for the obvious pick. And let's just say that the state of Gensokyo truly is terrible. Incompetent law enforcement, prolific vice and so-called "Aides" stalking young women!

Not sure Maribel is really doing anything useful about it, though.

[Assassin89]

The closest to law enforcement in Gensokyo is Marissa and Reimu. Then there is Kotohime, a loony who thinks she is a princess and a police officer.

Will the chibi Minoriko be given a nickname later or will she probably be forgotten again?

[Mirrinus]

Let's Play Touhoumon - Chapter 3-4

With HM05 in hand and a chibi Minoriko mercilessly hacking a path of destruction past two-foot-tall plants, I made my way to the Vermilion City gym.


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Now that I've gotten that broken bridge out of the way, I'm sure this gym will be a breeze to get past. Right? Right?


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Locked door with switch puzzles? Eh...this can't be too bad, can it? I mean, if it's designed to be solved by ten-year-olds...


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Conveniently, the other trainers in the gym are willing to give me hints for solving this puzzle. This one tells me that the switches are hidden inside something. Gee...I wonder what it could be? Taking a look around, I see trash cans...and absolutely nothing else. Gosh, did the gym leader really think no one would try to look in the only hiding places available here? Who does he think he is? Solid Snake?


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Apparently so. After poor Shinku had something precious stolen, this trainer refused to divulge any useful information. How loyal of him.

There was only one more person left to question, and he just had to start the fight off on the wrong foot.


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Calling me a kid again? I'm going to torment you so badly, you'll beg me to let you spill everything you know. And I have just the person to carry out the task.


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After threatening the man with Suppa Tenko, he told me everything I needed to know about the gym's switch puzzle. It's nice to see there are still turncoats in the armed forces.


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Unfortunately, simply knowing how the puzzle works doesn't mean I have it solved already. What followed next was a lesson in frustration.


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From trash can to trash can I looked, my heart leaping each time I find one switch, only for my hopes to be dashed to pieces immediately.


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I suppose I should count my lucky stars that there isn't vomit in these cans, unlike before...


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Who keeps resetting this puzzle anyway? How does a switch just magically disappear whenever I happen to look in the wrong spot?


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Seriously now, this is really starting to tick me off. How long does he expect me to root through garbage for some secret switch to open a god-forsaken door? This is so not worth a gym badge.


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I have had it with these money-faking trash cans in this Monday-to-Friday gym!!!


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All right, that's it! Surge is a dead man! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zztSFcSwS1c)

Hey, if you want to nickname our HM slaves, go right ahead! In fact, I'll even let you pick who to teach Flash to. I think these are all the characters I've caught so far that can learn Flash:

Shizuha
Minoriko
Sanae
Medicine
Sunnymilk
Lunachild
Star Sapphire
Satori
Koishi

However, note that I can't change nicknames until I reach Lavender Town (which isn't that far from now), unless I re-catch them.

Or, alternatively, I can give it to Patchouli, and delete it later on when I get to Fuchsia City. In this game, Flash is actually a pretty good move, with 60 base power, Psychic type, and reduces accuracy.

Oh, and a summary of my team thus far is now up on the first post of this thread. I'll also post it here:


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[Domochevsky]

Man, i wish these screenshots were twice as big. Have to squint pretty hard to see anything on them. >_<

[Assassin89]

I vote for Medicine for flash and nickname her Hinaichigo.
As for Minoriko, Kurumi because she will be forgotten after Celadon.

[Terraoblivion]

I don't really have a vote for this. Just don't stick it on Patchy.

However, i noticed a potential problem. What a lot of Psychic types you are using; Alice, Ran and Patchy are all Psychic. I also noticed that you are using both Bug type Touhoumon in the game. Pretty impressive when you think about it.

[Mirrinus]

I don't really have a vote for this. Just don't stick it on Patchy.

However, i noticed a potential problem. What a lot of Psychic types you are using; Alice, Ran and Patchy are all Psychic. I also noticed that you are using both Bug type Touhoumon in the game. Pretty impressive when you think about it.

Beach Alice is Water/Ice, so that's one less psychic type for us when we get there. But yes, I am using both Bugs in the game, which is rather amusing. At least they're both pretty decent.

The choices for the next vote on who to join the team shall be most sadistic, yes...