Cyber soldier fighting tonight: Let's Play - Super Robot Wars ZEEEEET!

[Cubey]

Oh boy... where do I start this? Youtube decided to be very uncooperative today. Which is why I'm writing this update 10 14 hours later than intended. Oh well. Better late than never, right?
Especially since we have a great treat today. Rand's chapter is short, but it has plenty of fun stuff. You shouldn't be disappointed. As for Setsuko... let it be said, chapter 7 was the hard, long chapter for Rand's earlygame. And now it's Setsuko's turn. Only in her case, it's even more so. The secrets are especially tough in this mission. It doesn't mean it wasn't fun, oh no! I had a great time playing this. And I hope you'll have a great time reading, too.

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Chapter 8: Angel Memories

I'm reorganizing my teams somewhat, since we got the new Kapools. Loran gets the speed and movement boosting item (he needs both, really), and I'm sure Rand will be happy with his new long-range sensor. It increases the range of all of his attacks... except those with range 1, if he had any.

Introduction:

Spoiler

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Guin: With that, we end the negotiations for today. I just want to tell you: the Earthrace only wants peace. But we will not be afraid to defend ourselves, so do not forget that. The White Doll is only one mobile suit out of many.
Milan: We will keep that in mind. Now, is the girl our Queen wanted to talk with here?
Guin: Indeed. She is waiting outside. Shall we let her in?


Kihel: Hello?
Dianna: Would you like to share a cup of tea?
Kihel: Why, gladly!
Dianna: Excellent! Would you leave us two alone? Very well... cosplay time.
Kihel: Excuse me, your Majesty?
Dianna: I do not know if you noticed, but we two look exactly alike.
Kihel: Indeed we do. I think a lot of people have noticed that, though.
Dianna: So, let us change our clothes. From now on, you are Queen Dianna and I am Kihel Heim. Nobody will be able to see through our perfect disguise!
Kihel: Umm, that is not how logic works... but why?
Dianna: It will be fun.


Garrod: I can't believe I actually found you, Tiffa! I'm so happy! Nobody'll seperate us anymore.
Tiffa: Yes... I knew this would happen. I had a dream.
Garrod: Dream?
Tiffa: About you... that you'd come to my rescue. And... about the sign of a letter, A, turned over. And a butterfly.
Loran: A turned over? That sounds like the symbol on the head of the White Doll!
Tiffa: Yes. That one... a lot of suffering is tied to its past. And even more to its future.


Gavane: Well, doesn't that sound ominous! Excuse me, miss. Gavane Gooney passing by!
Garrod: Woah! That green robot this guy popped out of, it looks kinda familiar somehow...
Gavane: It's the Borjarnon. Luziana's Suicide Squad has many of these, and it just so happens that I'm the squad's captain! But, to business. Is the White Doll's pilot here?
Loran: Umm, that'd be me.
Gavane: Really? Who'd have thought! Anyway. Lady Lily Borjarno came to visit, and I'm her bodyguard. She's here for...




Lily: And that's why I believe our mobile doll forces should train together, as a sign of goodwill and cooperation between the nations! What do you think, Guin?
Elche: Grr... that impudent girl is all over my cultured sir Guin. Who does she think she is?
Lily: Excuse me, just the daughter of the leader of a whole country! And who might you be?
Guin: Now, now. No fighting, fair ladies! I agree, it is a magnificent idea. I will make sure that the White Doll is present, as well as our Breaker friends I have hired. I also suggest that the Moonrace come with us. Allow us Earthrace to prove that our units are not just for show!
Harry: I already know how powerful the White Doll is. But I'll gladly face it again, even if in training. However, it is Her Majesty's decision.
Kihel Dianna: Hmm? Oh, yes! That is correct. We should propagate cooperation between the two Races. Lieutenant Harry Ord, please accompany the Earthrace forces in their training.
Harry: Milady Dianna, is everything alright? You do not feel sick, do you?
Kihel Dianna: No, I am just touched by the Earthrace's honesty. I had a great time together with miss Heim, drinking a cup of tea with her. Wasn't that right?
Dianna Kihel: Yes, indeed.
Harry: Drinking tea together? Ohh?

And so, everyone left to the training area!

Loran: This place looks... very strange.
Mail: Sorta reminds me of the ruins we used to encounter in expeditions with Dad and Darling!
Gavane: Our forces found this place a few days ago. It looks very different from the surrounding area.
Garrod: You think it might've been displaced, like me? Such a huge place?
Gauli: Anyway, we must prepare a defensive perimeter. Gauli Squad, move out!

Unbeknownst to everyone, two figures were observing them from the top of a ruined skyscraper...




Pierre: Wow, the locals are here. Let's try to avoid trouble until we find... him.


Silvia: Right! And then we'll just return to DEAVA headquarters. Umm, somehow.
Pierre: And in the meantime, to ensure they don't find us, let's jump into the sewer down there!
Silvia: What? Urk, it is dirty and stinky!

Chiru: Hey, Jiron! Watcha got there?
Jiron: There's no people around at all, but I found... this! A tasty lizard. And now, to roast it over the fire!
Rag: Mmm, something smells good!
Jiron: Good thing Tomino loves his food! Now, bon appetit!

Snatch!

Jiron: Hey!


Wild guy: Hehehe...
Jiron: He's running away... on all fours?! And he's holding my lizard in his mouth! Bastard, it better not have any bite marks!
Wild guy: Tch... cornered...
Jiron: Gimme back the lizard!
Wild guy: Never! I'll just eat it! Gulp!
Jiron: Damn you! I'll... I'll!
Wild guy: Do what? You wanna fight?
Jiron: Nope! I'll just catch another one. You can have that one. I can see you were hungry! So, let's go. What's your name?
Apollo: Apollo. Huh... weird guy...
Jiron: Look who's talking!


Rand: So, Baron, you're saying nobody lives here?


Baron: Right. Just me and Apollo. He's a good guy. Kinda animal-like, but good. I got a feeling the sky kinda changed a few days ago... almost like if we're in a different world or something. But still, not a soul around. At least until you guys came along.
Gain: I see... the place is empty? That's good news. And sorry about trying to shoot you, kid. You shouldn't skulk around people in ruins like that.
Apollo: Hey, Baron! Let's get some food!
Pierre: It's time we made our appearance!
Silvia: Wait, what? That wild person is supposed to be... no way!
Gainer: Woah! Two people just jumped out of nowhere!
Pierre: That's right! And we're taking him with us!
Baron: Apollo? Over my dead body! Take this!
Pierre: You know what they say... don't play with fire.
Baron: Oof...
Gain: What the hell, his kick just left a stream of fire behind... okay, stay still while I aim at you...
Apollo: Leave Baron alone! Ter-yaaah!
Silvia: Super-powered telekinetic PUNCH!
Apollo: Ow...
Elche: Hey! What's going on down there? Are they having a fight outside?
Tiffa: The shadowy angels... oh no! They are coming!
Elche: What?

???: So it begins, huh?
Apollo: Baron! Leave Baron alone, you huge beast!
Pierre: Crap! This is bad...
Silvia: Where are the Vectors when you need them?
Harry: Unidentified hostile in vision! What do we do?
Gavane: The Suicide Squad will destroy it!
Bang!
Gavane: Oh hell, the Suicide Squad is just one man now?! Where did these come from?
Silvia: Oh! I see them now! The Vectors are coming, right on time!


Sirius: We're here now. Do not worry - you are safe now, Silvia.
Silvia: B... Brother is here?


Glenn: Shadow Angel soldiers in sight! We cannot defeat them in our Vectors alone!


Lihua: Then, does it mean?
Sirius: Yes - we will have to combine. Formation: Luna!
Lihua: Combination, Aquarion Luna!
Silvia: I wanted Brother to have his first real combination with me...

The act of Aquarion combining? Totally safe for work. Really.

So, the Skill Point requirement in this mission is: kill all enemies in 3 turns. I had some trouble with this on earlier playthroughs. Not a lot, but some.

Glenn: Make sure to change the formation if you have trouble.
Lihua: Prepare yourself. Lunatic Archery!

Aquarion has three forms. Unfortunately, for now we're stuck with Luna, the most useless one. The theme you're hearing now is the generic SRW Z battle theme, not specific to Genesis of Aquarion nor any other series. Still pretty cool, though.
Most Aquarion characters call Lihua "Reika". Because they're Japanese and cannot pronounce Chinese names very well. But the girl is sad and depressed enough without me repeating the China/Hong Meiling incident! So I'll just stick to her original name. And we have one Reika already.

Gavane: Not good! This is much stronger than a mobile doll. But I can't give up now - I must show Inglessa and miss Sochie how things are done. Suicide Squad, go!
Cotset: Crap! Our attacks missed!
Harry: For Queen Dianna, I cannot give up now. Feel the wrath of this golden SUMO!

Even Aquarion mooks are bad news in this game. They don't dodge very well (still better than most supers, bah - than most redshirt reals, too!), but they're armored, have lots of HP, and regenerate. And their melee attacks reduce morale on hit.

Lihua: Ah, we're suffering damage!
Elche: You better not miss this time, Cotset!
Cotset: Engines, full power! Hey, we actually downed it!
Glenn: Are you alright, Reika?
Lihua: Yes, somehow...

In a mysterious command center, location unknown...

Spoiler

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Jean-Jerome: What happened? Where the hell is Aquarion now?




Kurt: It's not on radar, or any other sensor!


Chloe: It's like if it disappeared from this world!
???: Who knows, maybe it really DID disappear from this world?
Jean-Jerome: Who are you? How'd you get in here!?


Rena: He came back. Jerome, you should know him. Do you not remember what happened years ago? When we found the Vectors?


Sophia: Wait... are you saying this man is?
Jean-Jerome: It can't be...


Gen Fudou: Indeed! It is I - the mysterious magician of wind, Gen Fudou!
Jean-Jerome: You disappeared ages ago! And now you came back like if nothing happened?
Gen Fudou: Indeed! For the time has come, and DEAVA will need my advice once again. Your brave youths are fighting as we speak, but they will not win unless they remember this wisdom.
Jean-Jerome: This is no time for riddles!
Gen Fudou: A single arrow can be easily broken! And just like one arrow, my hand can shatter three! But if these three arrows become one... in a perfect unity, they cannot be broken!

Lihua: What's going on... the visions... of captured souls? Aaaah!
Pierre: Lihua, are you alive? Thank goodness... but we need the Aquarion, right now!
Silvia: I'll pilot the Vector Luna!
Sirius: Glenn is unconscious!
Elche: Deploy all units - beat the crap out of them!
Loran: Lt Harry, please help me! We must protect Queen Dianna!
Apollo: AQUARIOOON! I am not dead yet! AQUAAARION!


Apollonius: Repeat after me...
Apollo: Huh? Who are you? Aquarion... how do I know that name?
Apollonius: Repeat after me... Genesic Combination...
Apollo: Genesic... Combination... Go! Aquarion!
Silvia: Ah... it feels good...
Sirius: What is this feeling?
Apollonius: Let's go, Celiane!
Gen Fudou: This is - Genesic Combination!
Loran: The White Doll... it has this thing in its database?

So, now we have unlocked the main form of the unit: Sol Aquarion! I am sure the recent events bring many questions to our minds (who are Apollonius and Celiane? How the heck is this SFW?), but the most important one is: is this good in combat?

Apollo: Trash! Out of my way!

It is. The available attacks do not look too hot on paper, but Apollo deals a whopping +40% damage on Shadow Angel enemies. And the Element Fusion ability means the subpilots' stats replace Apollo's, if they're higher than his. Because they become one in body and soul, you see.

Yeah, real subtle there.

Rand: Enough metaphysics, folks! Time for some conventional, physical beatdown!

Yes, dealing with just one mook took me over six minutes there. Anyway, this mission has a secret - ensure that both Apollo and Jiron score at least a kill each. That's because of their recent food-themed feud, of course. Jiron just secured his half of the deal. As for Apollo, I'm sure he'll manage his part under the turn limit. Or will he?

Of course. There are two enemies left, and while I need my whole team and some support attack manipulation to take the first down, Aquarion can pretty much solo the other one.

Garrod: I don't know what these things are... but Tiffa doesn't like them, so they must be bad! Die!
Loran: I'll cover you, Garrod!

Loran's Gundam Hammer is very effective on land targets - S rating means +20% damage. As for Harry... well, he's just awesome overall.

Rand: Nice! Okay, my turn now. Time for my master's secret technique - chainsaws!
Apollo: And I'll end this!

Okay, I honestly remember this mission being harder.

Garrod: A'right! We did it!
Sara: But what exactly was that? Aliens? It can't be...


Apollo: Baron...


Musical Angel, Otoha: What a beautiful garden, Toma.


Holy Angel, Toma: Oh yes. The recent harvest was full of energy. Beautiful flowers will bloom.



Otoha: I hear the reincarnation of Apollonius was found. Are you not happy to see him again?
Toma: Apollonius... I am looking forward to our reunion.

Intermission time! And like before, we should visit the bazaar.

Jiron: Apollo... sorry about what happened. But you won't accomplish anything if you just mope around, you know.
Chiru: Yeah! Cheer up!
Apollo: Thanks, guys... hey. Something smells good. Follow me!
Chiru: You really have a good sense of smell. Like a dog!

Smoked Lizard get! Like before, this item will eventually turn into something good. Other than this there aren't any new items. So, let's present the Aquarion unit!

Like Getter Robo, Aquarion has three forms. But rather than a flier, a land-based and a water form, its forms are a powerful melee fighter, a fast skirmisher and a long-ranged attacker. Sol, Mars and Luna, respectively. And because of Apollo's (who is glued in to Sol's seat) squad leader ability, Mars and Luna are almost utterly useless. The former has some utility in that it's fast so you can move around easier, but the latter... yeah. Let's not use Luna unless plot forces us to. Harsh.

Next chapter: Listen to the song of the planet, for all life forms are actually one! Free yourself from illusory limits - you can touch everything! This and other morals courtesy of a crazy person Gen Fudou.

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Chapter 8: The End of the World

This mission takes place in space, so I have a hard choice to make: one Space Module, and many units to choose from. I decide to install it on Zambot 3, granting all of its attacks S effectiveness in space. And it's going to need it.

Introduction:

Spoiler

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Mayu: Big Brother, look!


Shinn: Huh? What is it Mayu? Oh no! A mobile suit!
Mayu: It's going... straight for our house! Mom, Dad!
Shinn: It's all burning! No, Mayu! Don't go!
Explosion!


Shinn: AAAAH!
Rey: Are you alright, Shinn? You have screamed yourself awake.
Shinn: Yeah... I'll be fine...
Rey: Was it that dream again?
Shinn: Urgh... yes, it was.
Rey: The past... it can never be changed, no matter how painful. We should go now.
Shinn: No more pre-mission naps for me... ever.

Quattro: That is all. To summarise, our mission is to stop a group of terrorists who are doing funny business with the Jenius Seven colony. We suspect they want to drop it down on Earth. Any questions?


Kamille: The terrorists are using old ZAFT units, right?
Cagalli: Correct. I bet they're trying to create an international incident. Make it look like ZAFT wants to attack the Federation again.
Bright: Someone is probably pulling the strings. But who? Titans? Can't be...
Shinn: Shinn Asuka, sorry for being late. I have a question. What the hell is the Orb princess still doing here? She and her bodyguard. You guys aren't allies of ZAFT, so go home!
Athrun Alex: Now, wait a second...
Cagalli: No, he's right. We have no business being here. We're here on a goodwill visit. If your good will ran out, then we're out of here.
Shinn: See? Your princess agrees, Athrun.
Athrun Alex Athrun: Alex...
Shinn: Whatever, Athrun.
Lunamaria: Uh, Shinn, try to compose yourself.
Durandal: Indeed. Let's try not to make all potential allies hate us. We're going to need all the help we can get, aren't we? This attack... it may be just the beginning.
Arthur: A message from the bridge. We're approaching the colony. All hands, to battlestations! Also, Meyrin - shouldn't you be on your post?
Meyrin: Aah! I'm coming!
Reccoa: Finally, some action!
Cagalli: Then, I guess I'll go to the battlestation in my room.
Athrun: I'll escort you.
Quattro: Wait.
Athrun: Huh?
Quattro: Good that you're trying to protect a precious person incognito. But... you should work on your disguise. Bring a pair of sunglasses or something.
Athrun: Yeah, I was thinking about that.

Dearka: Damn! These are custom GINNs they're using.


Yzak: I'm a ZAFT ace. I can't die here!
Dearka: You won't. Look, help is here.
Talia: Yzak, Dearka. Good job. You can retreat for now.
Bright: Listen, everyone. Do not let any enemy cross past this point. This is a first AEUG-ZAFT joint operation, so do it well!
Talia: The Minerva will stay behind to guard the perimeter. All forces, enter the colony and clear it off enemy units!


Emma: You have mine and Reccoa's backup, Kamille.
Reccoa: But my experimental unit is still not ready!

So yeah - big surprise, Emma decided to leave the Titans and join the actual good guys. She and Reccoa are stuck in Nemos, which we remember from the first chapter. This time they're on our side, but it doesn't make them much stronger. Oh well, we work with tools given.

Bright: Watch out. The enemy is closing in!
Quattro: Apolly, Roberto, follow me. We'll blast him.
Terrorist: Argh! Junius Seven must fall! For ZAFT's sake, damn Natural!

I have a feeling the terrorists are trying to pretend they're from ZAFT after all. Just a hunch.

Meyrin: Captain! Units are coming this way.
Arthur: I hope it's friendlies!
Talia: Doesn't look like it...
Jamaican: Ha! I knew these terrorists were from ZAFT. And AEUG is here too? Wipe them all out!
Neo: Roger. My squad will defeat everyone who stands in our way. Prepare yourselves, we'll see how good ZAFT's aces are.
Laila: Jerid, remember what I taught you, and you should be fine. The Marasai is a strong unit. You can do it.
Jerid: Right. And Laila... thanks.
Laila: Oh? So you managed to overcome your overinflated sense of pride? Maybe you are a worthy man after all...
Jerid: We'll talk about this after the mission, okay?
Emma: The Titans are here?
Shinn: And the Gundamjackers! Damn, they still have our own units! I'll get them!
Durandal: No, it is still a priority that you defeat the terrorists.

Great, now we have two enemy sides to fight! And the Skill Point requires me to finish it all before the start of the seventh turn. Fun times.

Kamille: I'll just use my Beam Rifle... crap! It's nothing, only a scratch!
Shinn: I'll do better than that. Take this! Argh, not yet!

I'm baffled how come Rey missed but Luna hit, and not the other way around. Oh well.
Also, while their respective shows' main characters were busy getting shot at, Quattro and Bright downed a High Maneuver GINN each. But that's not as amusing as failure.

Fortunately, damaged enemy units decide that fighting my forces has a higher priority than trying to run away, so eventually I just down enough of them.
Shinn: A Beam Saber - to your face!

Meyrin: Captain! Even more units are incoming!
Talia: It'd better be allies this time!
Meyrin: Well...


Butcher: Heeheeheehee! The Jin family isn't here, huh? Whatever - as long as there are humans to kill, I am happy! All minions, attack!
Talia: Beautiful.
Kamille: I'll use my bazooka!
Terrorist: Ghh! Damn Natural!
Federation pilot: Destroy the insurgents!

Yes, Shinn (Coordinator) and Kamille (Newtype, but spoilers!) got called Naturals. Nothing like accuracy. And yes, the Feddies downed an enemy and it triggered an event. Let's hope it's good news this time.


Cagalli: Damn it all. If I still had a mobile suit, I could've flown out and showed them all... being a politician sucks!
Athrun: Well, that's why I'm here, right? To fight in your stead.
Cagalli: But you're not outside right now, are you?
Athrun: Yeah. Something tells me these people don't really want my help.
Cagalli: Then, screw them and their wants and want-nots! They're fighting the bad guys now, right? Terrorists, Titans... you should help them. I would. You know me. I totally would...

(Sidenote: Why we don't have Cagalli as a pilot in this game? Because SEED Destiny derails her into a helpless damsel in distress. SRW games fix that, but there's another problem - her voice actress is angry at the Destiny treatment and refuses to voice Cagalli ever again. So she won't be a pilot in any game with voice acting, including Z. Shame.)

Ichitaroh: King Bael has arrived!
Quattro: It's the Grendizer! Friendlies, at last.
Kappei: So that's how a colony looks like! Wait a sec, what's that big ugly thing?
Keiko: It's the Bandock. Killer the Butcher's mobile base!
Uchuuta: We'll just have to kick its ass then!
Kouji: Heh, I like these kids' attitude.
Sandman: Listen, everyone. Friends of justice have arrived. Enemies of humankind, even those who hide behind a shield of legitimate governments, will be punished! The wicked will taste Gravion's steel fists. Such is the command of righteousness!
Jamaican: It's the Glory Stars! Traitors!
Toby: Hey, Arthur, no time to see. And look, the Titans are here too.
Denzel: Our ties with the Titans are severed! From now on, Glory Stars stand on their own! Squad, move out.
Jamaican: Shoot the treacherous dogs down, you nimrods!
Titan: How about this Gundam instead?
Shinn: Fast... but that was a bad idea. You're wide open!
Laila: Mark Two... I can't underestimate that one.

So, now that the full department of units is here... just kidding! Some reinforcements, both ally and enemy, are still coming! Crazy, isn't it? This mission is huge. But anyway, I can tell you about the chapter's secret:
It's simple. Just shoot down Bandock. But simple does not mean easy. That thing is huge, powerful, it comes with a map attack...


And it has 36 000 HP, as well as an S rank in space, 1500 armor, Butcher has Prevail (increases armor as his unit gets damaged)... I could go on. At least it doesn't regenerate this time. Downing this unit at such an early stage is considered extremely hard, fully optional, and suited for repeated playthroughs, where you save money from the previous game.

Like if that's going to stop me. We're going the all-secrets route, no matter how much pain and repeats it will take me! The key to victory is to split your forces: some (but not all!) of the reinforcements should aim for the Gaizock/Vegan forces, the rest - go and help fight the joint Federation/Titans group.

Vegan: This time I will succeed! DIE, Grendi... You are not Grendizer.
Kouji: Nope. Double Cutter!
Kappei: Woah, this Space Booster is awesome. One-shotting a Megaboost... or is it my skills?
Butcher: The Jins are here, huh? It'll be a pleasure to kill you! Or should I torture you a few weeks first?

There is another secret on this stage. I just have to do this...

Kamille: That unit is dangerous. I'll use my old man's motion data, and...!
Laila: Not... yet... I'll get you, Mark II, even if it costs me my life!
Emma: Kamille, watch out! It's going straight for you!
Kamille: I'll take it down!
Laila: No mistaking it... he really... was a Newtype... Jerid...
Jerid: No! LAILA!

So, on one hand, a somewhat sympathetic antagonist character bites the dust, but on the other - Flying Armor Crash, a new attack! Woo!
And Laila would die anyway. Just finishing her off with Kamille makes it quicker.

Toby: Hey, what's the matter Setsuko? You're awfully quiet lately. Even more than usual.
Setsuko: It's just... I used to live in a colony like this. Before it all, with my parents. And then, the accident happened... this place reminds me of that...
Shinn: Hey, I know a good angst when I hear it, but we gotta fight now! Glory Stars, take the terrorists out! Rey, Luna, we'll go for Abyss!
Auel: Ooh, Coordinators to kill! I was looking forward to this moment... just stop blocking my hits with your sword!

Bright: Take the last terrorist down with concentrated fire!
Reccoa: The colony is starting to come apart!
Bright: Did they detonate explosives? We must hurry up!
Kamille: Something... is coming!
Quattro: Kamille, did you feel it too? That killer intent.


Sato: Vengeance!
Meyrin: He's going straight for us!
Arthur: What, attacking the Minerva directly?!
Athrun: I won't let you!
Sato: Stand aside! Don't you know anything about the pain I suffered during the last war? My family... Alan and Christine... they were killed!
Athrun: That is not an excuse to further propagate death and violence!
Sato: No! You will die!
Shinn: Double no! I was an ass to Athrun... but I see now, he's not a bad guy! You wanna kill him, you have to go through me!
Sato: With pleasure.

So yeah. The victory condition has changed now that finally all pieces are on the board. To be more precise, I must shoot Sato down. Preferably with Athrun, who still has his pretty poor ZAKU Warrior. Fortunately he makes up for it with his skills, and the AI's preference to attack each other rather than my own troops. Which can be a mixed blessing, really.

Stella: That Gundam again. Whomever is inside, die!
Neo: I'll help you, Stella. Wait... what is that feeling?
Sting: Sorry, it's just that murdering you people is my mission. Nothing personal.
Kamille: My answer to Titans: bazooka spam!

Uchuuta: Hey, don't sleep Kappei! The enemies are attacking us, too!
Kappei: Shut up! It's just a single tiny ufo!
Duke: Melting Shower!
Vegan: AAARGH! I hate water of all kinds!

Apolly: Captain, the thing with the nozzle is blocking our units' access. They cannot reach the enemy battleship!
Quattro: Then, we'll just have to destroy it.
Roberto: Sir! We'll use our bazookas.

Thanks to Quattro's Rick Dias squadron, we can start beating up on the Bandock! 3 turns before the Skill Point limit is up, so I'd better make it count. But I also have to be careful. That unit has a map attack.


All units caught in its range will probably be hit, unless I use some kind of defensive seishin. And even if the attack is not TOO strong, lack of defensive options means I cannot defend or dodge with my non-squad leaders. So they will most likely die. Extreme caution advised. But before we start the attack...

Kamille: Focus and... go!
Auel: No... it can't be! Me, again? You must be lying!

One obstacle out of the way.

Shinn: I'll take down Gaia with my ASS... argh! Almost had me!
Meyrin: Shinn, watch out!
Denzel: We're taking the Titan unit down!
Kacricon: Amateurs. I don't know why we bothered with you. Too slow!
Athrun: Damn. Missed it.
Stella: Haha! Almost had me!

Yeah. That required a lot of healing via the Trust spirit skill. And this video shows how much double-checking, trying out attack options but cancelling them, etc, I usually do but cut out from the edited videos.

Stella: Who's next?
Talia: Fire the Tannhauser!
Stella: Oww. Neo! Help me!
Neo: I'm in trouble myself!

So, time to start my assault on the Bandock.

Duke: Do not be afraid, my friends. Screw Pressure Punch!
Butcher: So weak? I think they're afraid of us. Hahaha... KILL!

I think I always sped up Butcher's cut-in during this chapter, not letting you see his ugly mug in greater detail. Sorry. I promise you'll have plenty of opportunities in the future, if that's your thing.

Federation pilot: Attack the space monsters!
Neo: Are you ready, ZAFT ace?
Ian: Don't forget about me. I'll shoot their command ship down!

Titan: AEUG? ZAFT? I'll take my chances with this parrot thing, thank you.
Kacricon: Hmph. Going for the battleship.
Jerid: And I'll shoot down that bastard Kamille!

The Titans' actions were moderately successful. Except the Hizack mooks'. They might actually succeed in bringing the Mechaboost down.

Gengoroh: The Banzock is aiming its cannons at us!
Heizaemon: We'll counterattack. Fire, Ichitaroh!

Two turns remain. Can we do it?

Sandman: Gran Knights. It is time to combine!

That's the signal for my attack. All-out assault on Bandock, go!
Duke: Space Thunder! Double Harken!
Kouji: Cyclone Beam!
Kappei: Zambot Blow!
Gizzar: Lord Butcher, we're going down!
Butcher: What the?

Okay, not really down. The Bandock still has about 4000 HP left. Still, thanks to Grendizer's Full Power, Zambot's part-gained S rank, and support attacking absolutely everything, I pretty much secured the secret. I am happy. No, not happy - elated.
But there's always a chance I blow the standard mission/Skill Point objectives and will have to retry. Oh well.

Toby: My time to shine. Let's take down the enemy squad leader!
Neo: I'm down for now, but one day I'll be back!
Kamille: Aim for the remaining Gundam... and fire!
Sting: Crap... that was close.
Athrun: Supporting fire!
Sting: Double crap! I'll remember this.

Bright: Target the Girty Lue!
Talia: Minerva, likewise!
Lunamaria: ZAFT Red, us too!
Jerid: Why does me getting shot down not get even a mention?!

Federation pilot: My Dagger L is seriously damaged, and both the terrorist's skills and his unit's abilities are clearly superior to mine. I think I can take him. Argh!
Federation pilot: My unit is seriously damaged, but I'll try my luck with the Glory Stars. Argh!
Toby: Don't worry, you missed only about 300 meters. That was pretty close!
Ian: Girty Lue is seriously damaged, but... you know what? I'm out of here.

Titan: I'll aim for the generator! Wait, that thing doesn't have one! But somehow, I did it anyway.
Bright: Argama, all hands, prepare for anti-battleship warfare! Somehow, we're still holding our ground.
Heizaemon: Same with King Bael. We almost got the Bandock down!
Butcher: Not yet! Accursed Jin family! We will track down and kill every last one of you. Bael and its legacy will be no more!

Touga: Not unless we act first. G-Shadow: activate the Gravity Crescent.

So. We did it. Bandock is down. Okay - technically it ran away. But the secret is ours. I didn't even had to use my trump card. And what the secret was? I do not want to spoil too much, let's just say it helps prevent a Very Bad Event that takes place later in Zambot 3 plot.
And what was my trump card? Keiko's spirit skill, Analyze. For one turn, it reduces one enemy squad's damage dealt by 10%, and increases damage taken by 10% too. I wanted to use it on the Bandock in the last turn, but there was no need - so the Titan flagship Alexandria gets it instead. Let's see if I can down it, too!

And I have little time for experiments left. This is the last turn if I want to get the Skill Point.

Quattro: Begin your assault on Alexandria, I will take down the Marasai. Sink!
Bright: Fire the main guns!
Jamaican: Heh. They'll have to do better than that.
Shinn: I'll use my spear!
Talia: Tannhauser!
Jamaican: Better. Than. That.

Denzel: Then, we'll have to cleave the whole ship apart. I know the right woman for the job.
Setsuko: C... chief? I can't see it from the cockpit, but are you looking at me right now?
Denzel: Yes. I know you can do it, Setsuko.
Setsuko: I'll try. No... I'll do it!
Jamaican: Argh! We cannot fight any longer! Curse you, Glory Stars! Retreat!
Setsuko: I did it! I actually did it!
Toby: That's some switch knife. I always say, if you're feeling down, cut open a battleship. Okay. That was a lie.

Remaining hostile forces number at one Dagger and two Hizacks. And Sato. I should actually get to killing the latter. And I'd better be serious at it - the guy's got crazy Prevail levels. That skill not only reduces damage taken as HP goes low, it increases his hit and evasion rates.
Kamille: Flying Armor, go!
Athrun: That's my cue. Fire!
Sato: I won't die as long as I'm alive!
Athrun: That's a para... damn! My balancer's busted!

I am glad that there's so many pilots with Trust in this chapter. Because I had a lot of healing to do. Mostly on Shinn. Being the berserker we know and love (okay, we know him at least), he doesn't care much about little details like not getting hit.

And I'll admit - I saved and had to load the game here. Only once, but still. That's because you have to be serious with Sato. Here's what happens when you're not serious.
Kamille: So much pain! I'm glad this didn't really happen!

So, last turn, enemy phase! Let's see what happens, shall we?

Federation pilot: I'm clearly outnumbered and outmatched, but I just can't help it. I hate blue robots!
Setsuko: But you had the Abyss Gundam on your side...
Titan: We downed the parrot. Surely we are indestructible! We're going for this flier, next!
Kouji: I decided to try this "tactic" thing. Apparently it means - shoot as many missiles as you can!
Titan: Blargh! I'll stick to giant parrots the next time!

And finally, Sato. Just a reminder: if I want a small secret (yet another "Shinn likes you" point), I must down him with Athrun. He already attacks him on every opportunity, but will Athrun hit?
Sato: For Alan and Christine! Power my crazed rage!
Athrun: Clinging to the past won't change anything!
Sato: I think... I just exploded.

Last remaining, very lucky Dagger L pilot who probably wonders what the hell just happened now: Okay. I'm out of here. Don't hurt me. Please?

Denzel: These guys put boosters on this colony and are speeding it towards Earth. We must find them!
Toby: Here they are!
Setsuko: I'll dismantle this one! Umm... click? That didn't sound good.
Boom!

Toby: Damn... why is everything exploding all the time?
Setsuko: My fault? Aaaaah!

Elsewhere...


Lord Djibril: So, the Coordinators are sending a colony down on Earth. I knew they couldn't be trusted. In fact, we all at Logos knew they couldn't be trusted.
Logos member: What shall we do now?
Lord Djibril: We will use this opportunity. Use it to reveal the Coordinators' true colors to the world! And then... we will strike. No human can escape their destiny. The Coordinators' destiny is to be the evildoers. The Naturals' destiny... is to destroy the Coordinators.


Durandal: The explosion propelled the colony further towards the Earth. We cannot stop it now... and it seems to have split into several pieces. That was all planned in advance.
Talia: We must stop it somehow! What happened to the Glory Stars?
Arthur: They took full brunt of the Colony-splitting explosion. Do you think they... died?

Dun dun duuuun!

Okay, as the intermission shows, the Glory Stars are still quite alive.

Our heroes are too used to random explosions for something like that to finish them off.

Next chapter: Where are you going, when are you coming home? Partisans fighting against the Federation face a difficult dilemma!

==============

So tired. I had only one hilarious outtake, and it wasn't even that hilarious (Kamille almost getting destroyed). I promise I'll fail in more amusing ways the next time.
Also, the next update will be very, very important. Its missions are rather short, so expect it soon. Very soon!

Let me know if videos I posted are flawed. Youtube was very difficult for me today. I'll update the character sheets tomorrow. Updated. Good night.

[Nerd-o-rama]

GLORIOUS CLUSTER**** there, Setsuko route.

Also congrats on getting every single secret on these levels. That's damn impressive considering the craziness that was the Bandock and Sato.

As for Rand Route, wouldn't you know it, I just watched the first couple episodes of Gettervangelion Aquarion today. Apollo's very...forceful, with his gattais. Especially considering what happens when you combine Aquarion.

[T.G. Oskar]

First and foremost...

Gentlemen! Well, mostly N-o-R... How can you speak so normally on the presence of such a legendary legend (redundancy be darned) as Col. Bright Noah! Maker of Men!

Allow me to rectify this mistake! HOT-BLOODED...MILITARY...SALUTE!!!

*cheerful and energetic salute*

Now, after doing proper respect to a legend of a man, I shall proceed...

--

So, it seems that Rand got his own transforming combination Super Robot, given that Setsuko was hogging them all...I must say, very interesting, that Aquarion is. And finally, some challenging mooks that can place a dent on the Gunleon's mighty armor!

As for Setsuko's epic battle...darn, that was a mission and its mother! (Sorry if you don't get it, it's easier to understand in Spanish, and that's the only reaction for something so shocking...) That was like...30+ enemy units split into three sides, and not only did you took virtually all the mooks (save for a Mechaboost that was beaten by the enemy, and the lucky Dagger L that escaped), but you beat down the Butcher's battleship, all of the enemy battleships, shot down Sato (strike of faith, I must say; fortunately you don't have the RNG against you) AND got the Skill Point. And you took down the Bandock JUST for the secrets...reminds me of how insane it was to take down the three Inspectors in SRW OG2 with only a battleship and three units.

[Cubey]

Aquarion is kinda the equivalent of Gravion for Rand's chapters. But while Gravion focuses more on fanservice and is a homage to old mecha shows (and JAM Project!), Aquarion is more... well, insane. Gen Fudou's teachings are based on the chakra system, Buddhism, reincarnation, etc. But their in-universe applications are just... well. Wait and see.

The thing I like best with Super Robot Wars Z is how epic its battles become. We won't be having a huge fight like Setsuko's last one for a while, but when we do... this was just a taste of how things will be later.

I received several comments from people who would like me to add a short summary of organisations and other terms that float around in the game's fluff. It doesn't sound like too much of work, so let's do it! I'll add it to the same post that has the character roster.

[Fri]

I still wish for you to put a short summary on your vids. Nothing drastic, just at most one sentence, just so I can get the context of the video. Even a simple descriptive title would work, but I can't ask for that because you use the video title for indexing/organization purpose.

Waiting for the vids to load before continuing to the next line in the lp takes too much time for me, so I usually click a whole bunch of videos and wait for them to load while I read the LP. by the time I start watching the video, I already forgot which video is for which scene.

[Tengu_temp]

Ah, Aquarion. The anime is pretty average, but the robot is really awesome. And it has one of the best themes in this game (although I still like Dreams more).

I'm pretty sure you didn't speed up once or twice when Butcher showed up, letting us take a good look at his ugly mug and listen to his annoying voice. Why is this, I don't even.

And I see that the character charter has the descriptions of organizations and terms now, as well. Good, very good.

[Fri]

Vega: Planet of evil aliens!

Gaizock: Evil, homicidal aliens

Love their description. Anyway, cubey said that he'll add description if more people agree. I'm not trying to persuade you guys for my cause, not at all.

[Cubey]

Indeed. In order for the video descriptions to make sense, they have to be contextual, which means I'd have to write them when I actually post with the update, not earlier. And that's kinda troublesome.

But if I were trying to avoid troublesome work, I wouldn't make an LP like this in the first place, would I? So, like I said a while ago, if more people find it necessary or useful for my youtube videos to have descriptions, then sure. I'll add 'em.

Also, hot news - the next update is pretty short (but very important), so expect it soon. As in, later today.

[Terraoblivion]

Poor Lihua. Here have a song performed by a kindred spirit in having their name pronounced in the wrong language.

Also i could see good uses for having my very own Aquarion.

And on Setsuko's end of things. Quite a confusing mess of a mission, isn't it? Though epic too, so it's both epic and epically confusing. It has like four secrets too, just to make it even more of a mess.

The next mission approaching Setsuko 8 in epicness will probably be...15? I'm sure Cubey knows which one i'm talking about. Though that one is more staggered and less of a huge, epic battle.

[Prime32]

Was the colony-busting thing changed? Because in GSD the good guys were setting charges to break it into pieces and reduce the damage.

[Cubey]

I'm just improvising with the plot, honestly.

Well, that's what they're going to do in the future chapter. Try to (hopefully) break the colony into pieces that are small enough to be harmless. The charge that Setsuko stumbled upon only split Junius Seven into quarters, or something like that. Still large enough to cause plenty of damage.

[Cubey]

Two updates with less than 24 hours between them? This is madness! Okay, not really... it's a pretty short chapter, after all. Just don't forget to read the 8th before this one, if you missed it.

==============

Chapter 9: The Day the World Ends

Not much I can do during the intermission. Just put Turn A in one squad or the other. Here are my finalized groups:


Gavane: Wait! Why is my Borjarnon not visible anywhere?
Harry: You couldn't possibly forget about us, could you?!

Actually, yes, I did. Totally my fault here. I forgot that Gavane and Harry are available in this mission. All Zaku and A CHAR fans have rights to be angry now: shame on me. I have no excuse.

Oh well, we should manage without them, right?

Introduction:

Spoiler

Show

Sirius: How are Lihua and Glenn? Does this primitive vehicle even have means to heal them?
Rand: Hey, no worries about that. I know Medick. He can patch a guy really good. Not that I ever needed his help myself...
Pierre: Nurse Pierre reporting from his duties. Great news, everyone!
Medick: Your friends are stable. The girl is physically fine, with only small bruises. She's in shock, but it'll pass. The boy... his life is not in danger, but he's currently in a coma.
Silvia: Oh no! We'll have to take Glenn back to DEAVA's hospital at the earliest opportunity.
Sirius: Yes. That should be our priority for now. Tch. I knew only misfortune would come to us in this land...
Apollo: What'd you know about that "misfortune" crap? Baron was taken... I must get him back!
Sirius: And how do you insist on doing that?
Apollo: I'll find a way!
Garrod: Hey, everyone! Keep your angst to yourselves, Tiffa just felt something!
Tiffa: They're coming... the Angels. They'll be here.
Apollo: Angels? Baron... Baron! I must get Baron back!

Mail: Umm, Darling? I have a really bad feeling about this.

Rand: Don't worry a thing, Mail! Everyone's gotta complain from time to time. Especially when they're teens, like these Element guys.
Mail: No, it's not about that... call it intuition, but I have a feeling something bad's going to happen. Like, really soon.
Rand: So you're a psychic, like that Tiffa girl? Okay, kidding, kidding... I'll be careful. Worry not, we ain't letting Gunleon get trashed!

Silvia: Umm, Brother?
Sirius: Yes? What is it, Silvia?
Silvia: How did you feel... during the Genesic Combination?
Sirius: That was... incredible.
Silvia: Ohh... Brother...
Sirius: I felt incredible violence and brutality. That Apollo... he cannot be the reincarnation of Apollonius. I refuse to believe it!
Silvia: Apollo, huh... hmph...
Apollo: Who's talking about me when I can't listen!
Sirius: Nevermind that. All Vectors are here - I'll take the lead. Combine! Aquarion Mars!
Dianna Kihel: What an elegant combination. Perhaps the White Doll should try acting like that sometimes?
Loran: Lady Kihel, what are you...

The deal is simple: there are 6 Shadow Angel units, and I have 4 turns to defeat them if I want the Skill Point. Aquarion Mars is fast, so it can quickly advance and leave all my units behind.

Sirius: Trinity Saber!

It's not nowhere near as powerful as Sol Aquarion though.

Sirius: Who cares about that? In the name of house de Alisia, taste my blade!

Some Gelbeams Cherubim (The white humanoids), as well as the new hands (forgot their names) stay behind, making it harder to reach them. Cowards!

Gauli: What's that? A new enemy is coming this way!
Gainer: The boss?
Apollo: I'll waste it. Transform, Sol Aquarion! ... ARGH!
Jiron: Hey, you okay Apollo?
Gain: I'll snipe it... crap! It's a fast one.
Otoha: It was an excellent idea to possess this soldier.
Toma: Indeed. Apollonius, I want to see you up close. Really close...

Apollo: Screw that. I'll just destroy that other Cherubim then!
Gainer: And I'll follow up on that attack!
Apollo: We got hit! What the heck are you doing, Stupid Princess?
Silvia: Shut up, you!
Rand: Less arguing, it's time for the Heat. Ready, Mail? Let's go!

Suddenly!


Gen Fudou: Listen to me!
Apollo: Huh?
Gen Fudou: You three bicker like children. You will never defeat your enemy like this. Remember - all living beings are part of a single organism. An organism we know as Earth! To be in harmony with yourself is to be in harmony with others!
Sirius: What... with that inelegant... creature, as well?
Gen Fudou: Yes! For that inelegant creature... is a part of you, too! Listen to the sound of your footsteps, how Earth resonates with each step. Understand how you are but a part of a larger being!
Silvia: He means... like me and Brother? I think I understand...
Gen Fudou: And that is not all! Just as individuality is an illusion, so is distance! Because you are everyone, then you are everywhere as well. You can touch any place, anywhere you want! Even the Moon!
Sirius: The Moon?
Gen Fudou: Yes.
Apollo: I kinda get it... okay! Let's do it, everyone!
Gen Fudou: THEN DO IT!
Apollo: Touch the Moon! INFINITE PUNCH!

So yeah. Crazy but awesome things like that happen in Genesis of Aquarion all the time. Also, Sol Aquarion has a new attack now. A great one, with the range of 14 tiles.

Harry: I hope our moon cities were not damaged too badly by this...
Loran: I can understand what that man just said. We should all treat each other with respect, because we are all humans! And to make a point, I will bash the enemy with White Doll's hammer!
Apollo: Why is this thing still here? Infinite Punch! I'll use this as many times as I have to!
Tiffa: Garrod... please watch out.
Garrod: Don't worry about me, Tiffa! Make way for the great Garrod, foes! Heavenly mobile suit Gundam X, passing through!
Gainer: This new age spiritualism... everyone is getting infected!
Garrod: You think so? Hehe...
Cotset: Iron Gear can still punch things even without the incomprehensible mumbo-jumbo!

Chiru: Jiroooon!
Jiron: Huh? What is it, Chiru?
Chiru: Remember to use the Luck spirit skill, so you get double the cash for a kill!
Jiron: Hey, good thinking. Let's do it!
Garrod: Woah, watch out! These hands are attacking again!
Apollo: Let's end them. Infinite Punch!
Gainer: My cue! Everyone, follow my lead! It'll be our finishing blow!
Sochie: Why am I always stuck with nerds like him or Loran?

Elche: Captain's orders - we'll punch the crap out of the enemy again!
Gain: Well said, miss. Gotchko will help you with a powerful punch of its own!
Loran: And I'll finish this with my Beam Saber. Oneness with the Whole Universe Slash!

Garrod: A'right! We did it. I reckon we're getting the hang of fighting these Shadow Angels!
Sirius: Watch out! There is another one... it looks different!


Toma: That feeble doll got trashed, so I had to come in person. Welcome to the world of living again, Apollonius.
Apollo: Huh? What the crap do you mean?
Toma: Aren't you happy to see me? One way or the other, I am sad that our reunion will be so short... I hope we can meet again as soon as possible.
Apollo: What... what the hell are you talking about!
Toma: Such ignorance. Come, let me show you...


Toma: The vision of what is happening right now. It is a different world, but not for long!
Gain: Not good! What's going on now?
Rand: It must be one of these storms things! But it's... much stronger!
Jiron: This was supposed to be the light, comedic route!
Gen Fudou: The light of the Earth and light of the Sun. All become one as their fates intertwine!
Apollo: Aaaargh!

Glad to see Gen Fudou still doesn't make much sense...

(For the followup, read below)

==============

Chapter 9: Dimension Crash

Once again, we have only the Glory Stars in this mission. The other people are technically still there, I just cannot deploy them.
So I may just as well give them all the fun, useful items.

Introduction:

Spoiler

Show

Athrun: Hurry up with the charges. All of them must be put in place before Junius Seven falls!
Shinn: Arh, I'm doing my best! We should just blast the whole thing apart!
Athrun: A whole colony? We can't do that without massive firepower! That's why we're setting up explosives in crucial points!
Kamille: And that's why I am here to help too!
Shinn: Hey, thanks... you two aren't so bad...


Shinn: Okay, done! This better work.
Bright: Great! All units, dock on their respective ships. We will detonate the charges after making clear of the colony!


Denzel: Somehow, we are back on Earth again. I am glad we're not dead, but I am starting to have my suspicions...
Setsuko: Chief?
Denzel: We are teleported to a new location each time we're in major distress. Or rather - each time you are in major distress.
Setsuko: So... you think I'm the one doing this?
Denzel: It's a possibility.
Setsuko: If it's me, then... I don't know how to control it. I'm sorry... I only wanted to live a normal life. I didn't want all this... the accident, my parents' death... recruitment by the Titans...
Denzel: Setsuko...
Setsuko: Being bullied all the time, weird things happening around me! And now it's all my fault? I... I wish I was away from this all!
Denzel: Setsuko Ohara! This is your commanding officer speaking!
Setsuko: Aaah.... Si... Sir! Yes, Sir!
Denzel: This is an order: no more angsting from now on. And if you think that anything of what happened was your fault, then I forbid you from having such an idea either.
Setsuko: ...
Denzel: ... Come on. Cheer up. As long as we're together, it'll be alright. We're back on Earth now, away from the Titans. We'll only have to find our exact location, and from now on we can do whatever we want. You can do whatever you want.
Toby: Heh, well said Chief! I return from scouting and what I see? A touching emotional speech! It's almost like if we were a family or something.
Denzel: D... damn you, Toby! I am trying to keep the morale of my subordinates high, you understand? All subordinates.
Toby: Yup. Bickering just like in a family...
Setsuko: H... heehee...
Toby: Oh great, she snapped now!
Denzel: If she did, it's your fault.
Setsuko: You two really do bicker like an old couple.

Denzel: Alright. According to Toby, the Federation's space elevator should be enough. We'll try our luck there. We need supplies, and we can even reach space if we use it.
Toby: Right!
Denzel: And one more thing, Setsuko.
Setsuko: Chief?
Denzel: You are a ranged specialist, right? We should switch units. The third Balgora unit is a close quarters combatant. It would better fit a melee specialist like Toby, or a generalist like me.
Toby: Yeah, the first unit will suit you much better! Maybe you'll start kicking ass full time now that you have a machine that fits your skills!
Setsuko: Do you really think so? Alright then...

At the space elevator...


Kei: Alright! There goes the last one. All is clear now.


Orson: Now we must wait for the engineers to arrive.
Kei: The Space-Time oscillation bomb, huh? It should be powerful enough to take down the whole elevator.
Orson: Yes. A strike against the Federation... no, I mean the Titans.
Kei: Too bad not all of our friends made it alive to this point... but that only means I can't die here. Tina is waiting for me!
Orson: Always thinking about the girls, aren't you Kei?
Kei: I cannot let them grieve my death, you know!
Orson: Ha... oh crap. Reinforcements.
Kei: Nothing ever goes as planned, huh? I'll just have to down them all then!

We have three turns to eliminate all resistance (for the Skill Point, anyway), and it shouldn't be any trouble at all. My Bronco units are pretty weak, but it doesn't matter because Kei and Orson are awesome pilots. I mean it. Just look.

Kei: Sorry, but I'm attacking!
Federation pilot: Not yet!
Kei: Second attack, go! See ya!
Federation pilot: No way! That's cheating!

Kei has my favorite ability in this game: Attack Again, which lets him offensively support himself if his Skill is much higher than the enemy's. And since he's an ace pilot, his Skill is high enough. Orson doesn't have that, but if anything his natural dodge and accuracy are even better than Kei's.

Second turn starts, and...

Toby: Hey, there's some fighting going on there!
Denzel: Guerillas?
Kei: Hey, new units in my visual. Can you hear me? Are you with the Federation, or against it?
Setsuko: Well... against it for the time being, I think...
Kei: What a pleasant voice! Even if you were with them, I couldn't be able to fight against you, with such a lovely lady in your team!
Toby: Hey, quit the cheesy lines, that's my character cliche!
Denzel: We're the Glory Stars. The Titans and Federation want us dead, so if you are fighting them, we'll help you. But I cannot promise we will stay around for long after that.
Orson: That's alright with me.
Kei: And more than alright with me!
Setsuko: Why do we always have to meet the strange kind of people?

So, the Glory Stars are here, and like they agreed among themselves, Setsuko and Denzel switched seats and are now in Balgora units 1 and 3 respectively. They're not in a squad but rather as individual units, but they're too far away to reach anyone at the moment.

Kei: Alright! If I use missiles all day, I'll run out. Lucky I have a vulcan too.
Orson: Die, Federation lapdog!
Federation pilot: An opening, take this!
Kei: Ah, I screwed up! Ehh, happens to the best of us... take this!
Orson: I'm under attack by their new Windam units. But still, too slow!

Kei: Too bad about their skills, but I'll shoot this down.
Toby: Hey, we can't let these hotshots hog all the action now, can we? Let's go!
Setsuko: Do we have to fight everywhere we go? I guess that's my duty as a soldier...
Denzel: You don't have to be a soldier anymore if you don't want to. That was the last one of them.
Kei: It'd be a shame if you got killed, I agree.
Toby: Guys, I know it's out of character for me to spoil the mood like that. But we got company.
Kei: Even more units? I'm getting low on ammo... will we have to shoot them all down?
Orson: There's no need Kei... I just received a transmission. Our mission is aborted.
Kei: What?
Orson: It's aborted. The engineers aren't coming. We're supposed to destroy the bomb and retreat!
Kei: No way! What about our comrades in arms? I won't let their deaths go in vain! I'll arm the bomb myself if I have to!
Orson: Kei, stop!
Kei: This isn't exactly rocket science... there. That should do it. Okay! Let's get out of here before the explosion buries us under the space elevator. Glory Stars, you go first! We'll cover you!
Denzel: Alright. Everyone, we're retreating!


???: ... The Balgora unit. My target is here. Well, let's go - Discaliber!
Denzel: Aaaargh! That guy... why...
Setsuko: Nooo! Chief! What have you... why...
???: Oops. I seem to have killed the wrong person. Well, that is okay too. Good bye. Hahahahaha...

(The followup is below)

==============

Chapter 9: Oh, Crap...


Female Federation pilot: The guerillas are here. I won't let them get away!
Kei: I can't fight you here! The bomb is going to explode any second now!

And then the bomb indeed exploded. For some reason, its effects were much more dramatic and high-scale than intended...

Setsuko: CHIEEEEF!


That day, the world... no, many worlds... were changed forever.


What happened with our protagonists - Rand, Setsuko, and their friends? For now, it's a mystery.

==============

Announcement!

So, we have played the prologue - first nine missions, for both characters. I hope now we have a good grasp on both of them, as well as various assorted mecha series.

And now, it's time to make our decision: who will become the main character? Whose story will we continue - Rand's, or Setsuko's? I am waiting for your votes! All previous ones are void, so you will have to cast your vote again even if you did so once already, when I started the LP. Please type the name of the character you choose in bold letters, so I have an easier time rounding and counting up all the votes.
The voting will end in ~48 hours. Maybe later, maybe sooner, depending on the number of votes I receive. If you need further information on each character and how their plot will develop, there's some info in this thread's original post. Or, you can ask here - I'll try not to spoil too much, unless that's your thing that is. So, looking forward to your votes! Remember people, you decide what we do next!

And also... so far, I had a lot of fun with this Let's Play. I hope everyone enjoys reading it, too. Since the plot cannot continue while the voting is going on, I am hoping for your feedback instead. Which series and characters you enjoyed so far most? And which ones you didn't? I'm really curious about that.

[Prime32]

For my vote... Setsuko.

[Tengu_temp]

Ah, Mugen Punch. Like a rocket punch, but better. Can you believe that Aquarion will get even crazier?

Also, enter Max Jenius Kei, one of the two best real robot pilots in this game - the other one is Amuro freakin' Ray. His unit might suck so far, but it makes up for it by being fun - it's a fighter jet with legs, what else could you want?

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Oh no, everyone's favorite tsundere commander, and his 10 SP Trust! TV Tropes wasn't lying!

I'm not voting yet - I don't really care which route we take, both are cool. I might change my mind later.

[Terraoblivion]

And so the torment of poor Setsuko truly begins...

It's accompanied by Apollo and Sirius revealing who the target audience for their creation was.

Anyway, my vote is still, unsurprisingly, for Setsuko.

My preferences in terms of series...Well, i'd say that the Rand route has the shows with the best music, those being King Gainer, Gundam X and especially Turn A Gundam. However, in overall coolness i think Zeta Gundam wins here. Those heavier, less overwrought old school gundams are just a whole lot cooler than both super robots and modern gundams. I don't care too much about characters for this though, since i can only read Cubey's interpretation of Banpresto's interpretation of them and that's a bit inexact. I do think that i generally prefer Gundam in that regard though.

But...who can't love the bizarro Macross that is Orguss? All the robots from it look silly!

[Prime32]

For those who aren't too familiar with SRW, a little history lesson.

The first Banpresto Original was a fellow by the name of Masaki Andoh (not to be confused with Masaki Endoh, JAM Project singer) who pilots "The Elemental Lord of Wind", Cybuster. His voice actor is Hikaru Midorikawa, who is such a huge SRW fanboy that he does extra voicework without pay in exchange for getting early copies of the games. As such, Masaki and Heero Yuy (yes, he voices him too) tend to get an unusual number of unique lines whenever they appear.

The shadowy figure who just showed up in Setsuko's route is also voiced by Hikaru Midorikawa. His mech looks like Cybuster. Cybuster has a sword attack called Discutter, and ??? just used a sword attack called "Discalibur".

So yeah, just explaining the in-joke for you.

[Nerd-o-rama]

As much as I hate to make you replay what you've already seen, Cubey, I haven't seen it, so Setsuko route is go for me.

Also God, I thought ????'s Discaliber animation was cool before now, but seeing how he first uses it? Epic. Cold.

[Cubey]

No problem. I also played Rand's route, you know. It was a new game+ so all challenge went down the drain, but I had awesome fun regardless. So I'm okay with whatever route you people choose.

[SAMAS]

Well, I honestly would prefer Rand's route. If for no other reason than to be contrary.

On the other hand, I do like Gravion... But I really want to see Eureka Seven, Turn A, and Xabungle more.

[catchthesun]

Apollo: Touch the Moon! INFINITE PUNCH!

So yeah. Crazy but awesome things like that happen in Genesis of Aquarion all the time.

I'm sold. I am so totally watching Aquarion.

On the route choice, I'm torn. On one hand, Gundam X, Aquarion and Eureka 7. On the other hand, Gravion, Evil Masaki, and a promise of more epic battles between...everybody.

Hmmm...

Consider this a tentative Rand vote.

[Toric]

You know... as much as I love the Batman Gundam that is The Big O, I'll have to cast my vote for Setsuko. An attack that consists of punching an enemy TO THE MOON is a good high note to leave Rand's route on.

I picked Setsuko because I much prefer the cast, the story, and - other than Rand's personal curb-stomping music - the soundtrack. Also, Cubey managed to get a skill point he'd never gotten before on this route. It'd be a shame not to see if he can keep up his first-ever perfect Setsuko playthrough.

[Fri]

Batman with giant robot. I pick Rand

I'm really curious on how would they do Big O story on SRW

[T.G. Oskar]

Well, I honestly would prefer Rand's route. If for no other reason than to be contrary.

Consider this a tentative Rand vote.

Batman with giant robot. I pick Rand

Count me in the 2.5 votes for the man. I choose, unsurprisingly, Rand.

First, I cannot tolerate to see the suffering of a girl without entering into righteous anger. Even if Cubey promised Evil Masaki would pay, the fact that his first act was beating noble commander and Token Black Guy Samuel L. Denzel Washington Hammer is already threatening my brand-new laptop.

Meanwhile: Aquarion flat out dominates over Gravion (why have the power of a...it's a gravity based mech, right? There's your good-Shu, even if it's a combo-transformer robot... Anyways, why have the power of gravity if you can send enemies to the Moon from Japan!?), Turn A is pretty interesting, don't like Xabungle but then again nothing's perfect, the fact that Eureka Seven (surfer robots!) is on Rand's route, a mid-sized mech with a giant arm...the possibilities are endless!

On the other hand, while the one and only good reason why I would go Setsuko route is because the legendary colonel Bright Noah is personally going to manage the operation (or so I hope), the rest...well... First, Koji freakin' Kabuto is NOT on the Mazinger, regardless of whether he appeared in Grendizer without it. Second, while I enjoy that Zambot 3 is getting a bit more mature, it's more of what I've seen. Same with Grendizer. And I foresee that having Zeta Gundam and Gundam SEED all along will do for a rather complicated story. Then again, there's the fact that SEED was apparently done right this time (well, more like SEED Destiny makes sense) and Klein frickin' Sandman being the biggest ham on the side of good alongside Haran frickin' Banjo...

But what really captured me (my deepest apologies, Col. Noah!) is Rand. Just, frickin' to all frickin', Rand. Why have ham when you can have manly PROSCIUTTO! (As in, awesome ham!) Thus, Rand is my choice, fighting against the current of people who wish to experience catharsis but in reality desire to fuel their schadenfreude upon a hapless lady.

Then again, if what you really want is to fuel your schadenfreude, why not force Cubey to play both scenarios to the end? Then, right at the end, make a much more definite decision. Whether Rand or Setsuko get the ZEUTH route.

[Nerd-o-rama]

So you can't abide to see a girl suffer without wanting to destroy your PC, but gleefully encourage us to torment a young man (Cubey) with an insane task for our amusement? Nice double standard.

Also I don't know if you noticed, but Mazinger Z is on the series list...

[T.G. Oskar]

So you can't abide to see a girl suffer without wanting to destroy your PC, but gleefully encourage us to torment a young man (Cubey) with an insane task for our amusement? Nice double standard.

Hey, it's just a logical decision. Cubey has all the reasons to say "yes" or "no", but if what you really want is suffering, go the extra mile. At least Cubey can just say "screw you guys" and prevent both things from happening.

Also I don't know if you noticed, but Mazinger Z is on the series list...

Of course I'm aware of it. It's just that having to wait to see Koji regain the Mazinger (plus no Mazinkaiser, though I can live without it) might get a bit dull.

[Comet]

Setsuko is my vote, though it is not an easy one to make.

[Tengu_temp]

Then again, if what you really want is to fuel your schadenfreude, why not force Cubey to play both scenarios to the end? Then, right at the end, make a much more definite decision.

Seeing that both routes share more then 60% of their scenarios from this point on, this is schadenfreude towards the audience as well.

[Cubey]

We're not going to play both routes anymore - even when there's a route split and we're forced to choose one, I will only do one and not both. My decision on playing both routes of the prologue is to properly introduce all series. And since that task is complete, further double-timing is not necessary.

That being said, what Tengu said is true. Many scenarios are shared between Setsuko's and Rand's routes. We're having a period of ~15 missions now which are shared, with exception of 2-3 chapters. Of course, the dialogue is different - you can't expect the characters to react to both protagonists in exactly the same way, can you?

So don't worry. You're not missing on important finales by picking one protagonist over the other. That being said, I am really happy with the votes so far. Keep 'em coming, the more the better!

@T.G. Oskar: We won't be having Mazinger for a few missions yet. The mission where it makes an appearance is present on both routes, luckily. And it's awesome.

@catchthesun: I agree that Aquarion, as a robot, is awesome. So is its theme song. But the anime... well, it's not bad. But it's pretty average. Just so you know.

[Fri]

This lifts a considerable burden from my heart. This means I don't have to nag and cry to make sure that you guys pick Rand's route.

[Prime32]

I'll just leave this here.

Also, SRW Z doujin

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